From Here, We Will Grow: Marquez's Verdict on India's Football Performance Against Mauritius

Putting a period on India's goalless draw against Mauritius in his first game in charge, Manolo Marquez didn't shy away from expressing his disappointment. He criticized the team's appalling performance, with the visiting Mauritian team providing stiff competition despite their lower FIFA ranking. In spite of the laudable captainship of Lyndsay Rose, the Indian team's usual failures were too evident to be overlooked.

Starting on a rocky note, the visitors' initial momentum, led by budding footballer Quentin Rao Jasper Lalsing, posed a challenge for the Indian clan. Gradually gaining their ground, India missed a score opportunity through a set-piece by Chinglensana Singh after a tactically planned corner. Although the new coach's training seemed to pay off momentarily, India's inability to convert chances into scores prevailed.

The struggle continued into the second half as the team's potential success in leveraging the wings was fumbled by heavy touches and untimely passes. Both teams missed several scoring possibilities, putting an end to the game at a stalemate.

Looking ahead, India faces a challenging match against Syria. With the hope for a noticeable upgrade in their forthcoming performance, Marquez remains optimistic, stating "From here, we will grow."

Marquez emphasized the need for more game-time and closer player chemistry, attributing the team's exhaustion to the long time spent on the field. He remains hopeful, remarking that "From here, it is difficult to play worse than today. From here, we will grow."