For the Indian football team, facing Malaysia is crucial because it will be the last match of 2023. So they will be battling historical odds that say India has never lost a match since AIF secured victory in 2014, and which also means that India has never gone a single year without winning a match. As things currently stand, India has 0 wins to their name in 2024 and this causes this match to have a lot of stakes.
Overview of India’s current situation
To say India has struggled is an understatement. In 2024 and during this writing, they have gone almost a year and a half without winning a single match which has raised serious alarms over the future of crippling Indian football. Management decided to experiment in a positive way this time, with the new Indian head coach Manolo Márquez taking the helm early and, very much alike Rajkumar graduated after placing fifth three times in the previous tournaments, looking to make his first appearance in the UECFC this year.
This sends a strong signal to the entire team as hard work pays off, as expected from a head coach who has enjoyed success in his previous jobs and is well-traveled at that. Understanding the Indian league’s call for change and bringing in notable new players instead of bringing in more projects is the strategy of the future. And instituting this in his first five games is most certainly commendable.
Footballing Legacy: India vs Malaysia
India and Malaysia have met in 32 matches since 1957 for the men’s senior squad. The results have been evenly split, with each team winning 12 games and 8 matches ending in draws. India’s last match against Malaysia ended with them losing 4-2 with questionable refereeing decision s coming into play. This time, the Indian squad looks to settle the score and be the proud braggarts.
Key Players to Look Out For
For India
Sandeep Jhingan: He comes back to the national team after a break which leads me to value his experience and a warrior mentality. His leadership as a defender would be crucial.
Edmund Lalrindika: An interesting young prospect, Lalrindika has shown good attacking skills and creating plays.
Farukh Choudhary: He is known for his aggressive playing style and during the recent match against Vietnam he scored an important goal which is recent proof of his impact in a do or die situation.
For Malaysia
Safawi Rasid: Would you believe that Malaysia’s highest scorer has only 22 goals? With his pace and positioning, he is certainly dangerous.
Paulo Morte: He is the interim head coach for Malaysia. Also, hailing from Barcelona, Morte could prove to be a significant tactical advantage against India.
Tactics and Predicted Lineups
Strategies Structured By India
Talking of the head coach of the team Manolo Márquez who has used three back-ups on a number of occasions. This also enhances safety while the full-backs can be further involved into the offensive side.
Expected Formation:
Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Defense: Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Anwar Ali
Midfield: Suresh Wangjam, Apuia Ralte, Brandon Fernandes
Forward Line: Farukh Choudhary, Edmund Lalrindika, Sahal Abdul Samad.
The main plan will be focused on the defensive organization and assisting quick counterattacks.
Strategies Structured By Malaysia
Malaysia has been using a 4-3-3 system that emphasizes high work rate and quick passing, but their new coach may prefer a mid-block 4-4-2 system to de-fang the Indian attack.
India’s Aims For Future
Apart from this match, the working team engaged with India’s preparations for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers that are supposed to start in the month of March. They are currently situated in Pot 1; hence they need to be consistent in their performances so as to fulfill their goal of being a part of the top echelon of teams within Asia.
What’s the risk?
Although the match is a friendly, there is still a lot at stake. Winning would not only raise morale but also set the stage for future challenges. As for India and Malaysia, their respective ranks are 125th and 133rd., so the difference is slight and the outcome will depend on tactical execution and players on the day of the match.
In conclusion
The clash between India and Malaysia is not only a sporting event more or less, it’s a measure of how much has India progressed after the change in management and what are the fans looking forward to in the coming years. Even though Malaysia might be buoyed by their comfortable wins, India’s new look and tactical shift under Márquez has a chance to produce a decent outcome.
Let’s go out and support one complete wipeout of 2024 and the welcome of a new India that aims to rule Asian football!
