FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Yash Pratap Singh
India were held to a 0-0 draw by Kuwait in the fifth World Cup qualifier match. It so happened that both sides failed to find the back of the net even once in front of a jam-packed Salt Stadium in the City of Joy. India were the better side and had more chances to score, but luck was just not on their side.
Kuwait on the other hand were very solid defensively and also created a fair share of chances to open the scoring. With this win, India have accumulated five points in as many games and sit in the second spot while Kuwait sit at the bottom of Group A with four points to their name. Next up, India will travel to the home of reigning Asian Champions Qatar while Kuwait will host Afghanistan at home on June 11.
Let us take a look at the top three performers from the game.
Abdulghafoor was Kuwait‘s best player on the pitch against India. He stood his ground and denied India everytime they knocked at Kuwait’s door with the intent of creating problems.
The 33-year-old made three crucial saves, including a 1v1 save against Rahim Ali in the second half. He also executed a couple of clearances and punch outs to safeguard his goal. He also came off his line a few times to deny India an opening.
Also Read: FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Jay Gupta’s debut and other talking points from India vs Kuwait
Anwar Ali dropped one more fantastic performance at the back for the Blue Tigers. Anwar has been a consistent performer under Igor Stimac and the story was no different against Kuwait.
He kept his cool and executed his moves with ease. He won the ball seven times in crucial positions and also made three clearances and two blocks and tackles each. Moreover, he also tested the keeper with a shot on target.
Gurpreet was undoubtedly India’s best man against Kuwait. He defended his goal with utmost dedication and did not let anything pass by. He kept his first clean sheet at home and his second overall in 2024. He extended himself multiple times and neutralized the danger possessed by Kuwait.
The 32-year-old put up a performance to remember in Sunil Chhetri’s final game and pulled off four saves in the process.
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