The lack of goals and defensive mid-fielder Pronay Halder's substitution due to a shoulder injury "killed" India in their FIFA World Cup qualifier against Oman here, feels coach Igor Stimac.
India's hope of getting a positive result was dashed when Halder and Adil Khan had to be substituted inside the first 40 minutes owing to injuries.
Pronay, who suffered a shoulder injury, was replaced by Vinit Rai in the 27th minute while the coach introduced Anas Edathodika after withdrawing Khan in the 36th minute.
Stimac said, "Today, our only player who is a tough tackler (Pronay) suffered a shoulder injury. He was the main player who could fight for the second ball and his absence killed us in the second half."
"Even I was hesitant to make the third change thinking of another injury which could have happened anytime. It was a big risk and we are facing this for long."
"If you are trying to change (your gameplan) according to your opponents, it shows your team's weakness -- which is the last thing I would want for my team. We stick to our system and we are working on the players' strengths and conditioning."
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