Indian coach Stephen Constantine came here with the youth team so that he can find the right talent from this group to bolster the senior squad.
India opened their campaign on a dismal note at the AFC U-23 qualifiers, going down to Syria 2-0 at the Al Sadd Stadium here on Wednesday.
After defending their citadel stoutly till the 63rd minute, India's back-line caved a minute later when Mohammed Rabie Srour cross beat goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, who came out of this charge.
Mohammed Fares added the second in the 88th minute to shut out their opponents, who fought tooth and nail against the physically stronger west Asians.
Indian coach Stephen Constantine came here with the youth team so that he can find the right talent from this group to bolster the senior squad. The Englishman was happy given the lack of experience of his boys at this level, but they will have a mountain to climb when they meet hosts Qatar on Friday.
"I want to build an Indian team for the future," he said on the match eve.
But barring right winger Nikhil Chandra Poojary, who showed some promise with his crosses, and centre-back and captain Lalruatthara, others left a lot to be desired.
"I only got this team few weeks back. They're all new to me. My target will be to select some good players for the senior team," added Constantine.
It was a cautious start for the Indians, who were more focussed on defending rather than chasing the ball. Constantine used a 4-4-2 formation, with Manvir Singh and Lalhlampuia Daniel in the attack.
It was not surprising to see them attack in hordes as they lacked cohesion and an attacking mentality while their opponents earned five corners in the first quarter.
Poojary was a bit active on the right, but his crosses failed to connect both Daniel and Singh.
Hardworking midfielder Germanpreet Singh's booming long-ranger was the only positive shot at the goal which was punched away by the goalkeeper for India's first corner in 36th minute.
The defeat will be a big blow to India's hopes to qualify for the Round of 16 as they take on much better team, hosts Qatar on Friday.
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