Lallianzuala Chhangte gave India an early lead in the 14th minute, only for Song Uiyoung to score either side of half-time to shatter Indian hearts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The result means India are stuck on two points from four matches, and even if they win their remaining games, their maximum tally of eight points will not be enough for them to qualify. Either Singapore or Hong Kong, both of whom are already on eight points, are certain to garner more.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The hosts bossed the game with possession, aggression, and attacking intent. Their high-press tactics pinned Singapore into their own half, and they created chances through intelligent play and set-pieces. But it was their profligacy in front of goal and fragile defending at key moments that proved their undoing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India coach Khalid Jamil had spoken about the importance of attacking from the first whistle, and the players responded with energy and intent. India\u2019s press was relentless, forcing Singapore into hurried clearances.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The breakthrough came in the 14th minute under such pressure. A nervous pass from Singapore goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud to fullback Safuwan Baharudin saw the latter miscue his clearance under pressure from Liston Colaco. The ball fell invitingly to Chhangte, who let fly with a scorcher from distance that screamed past Mahbud into the top corner and handed India the lead.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With their tails up, India looked to extend the advantage. In the 29th minute, Chhangte again caused havoc, latching onto Anwar Ali\u2019s through ball and zipping past his marker before squaring for Sunil Chhetri. The veteran couldn\u2019t connect, but Colaco latched on and fired on target only for Baharudin to redeem himself with a goal-line clearance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Singapore, meanwhile, offered little from open play, relying mostly on long balls. India\u2019s defence dealt with those comfortably until a moment of defensive misjudgement just before half-time changed everything.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In the 44th minute, Irfan Najeeb\u2019s hopeful cross should have been dealt with, but Rahul Bheke\u2019s header inadvertently sent the ball to Glenn Kweh, who calmly found Uiyoung in the box. The midfielder turned and buried a left-footed strike past Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and India\u2019s lead was wiped out against the run of play just before half-time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Singapore, meanwhile, offered little from open play, relying mostly on long balls. India\u2019s defence dealt with those comfortably until a moment of defensive misjudgement just before half-time changed everything.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
From then on, though, India tried to find a response. They launched waves of attack with crosses from the flanks, long-range shots and intricate play in the box. However, nothing fell right as Indian forwards Chhetri, Colaco, Chhangte and Mahesh Naorem were denied time and again. The Singapore defence threw bodies on the line, making crucial tackles and interceptions, while Mahbud stood tall in goal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n