India’s three-match FIFA International Window ended on a difficult note as the Blue Tigers suffered a heavy 1-6 defeat against two-time World Cup champions Uruguay at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Tuesday, October 6. However, head coach Khalid Jamil believes the result should serve as an important learning experience rather than an excuse for the players.

Uruguay’s quality was evident throughout the contest as they capitalised on India’s defensive mistakes and punished lapses in concentration. India did manage to show promising moments, particularly when they moved forward, but struggled to contain Uruguay once the visitors found openings.

Jamil admitted that India made too many mistakes against a side of Uruguay’s calibre and insisted that the team must address those shortcomings.

“We should not give any excuse. Many mistakes we have done, so we have to rectify our mistakes for next time,” said Jamil in the post-match conference.

The Indian coach identified concentration as a major area of concern, stressing that mistakes against top-level opponents can quickly prove costly.

“When you play with a good team and make one mistake, they punish you. So we have to be alert,” he said.

Jamil also urged his players to put the defeat behind them as they return to their clubs, with the Indian Super League season beginning on October 10. He stressed that responsibility for the result must be shared collectively.

“This is part of the game. Now go with the club and give your best. Nobody should think that because of you we have lost. It is collective,” he said.

Taking responsibility himself, Jamil acknowledged that the coaching staff also needed to improve.

“We lacked concentration, not only players, even me. So, that is why, I have to give good instructions.”

India’s matches against Panama, Brazil and Uruguay provided valuable exposure against different levels of opposition. Jamil now wants more preparation time before the team’s next assignment against New Zealand in November.

“We need to do more camps. We have to choose the correct players and see,” said Jamil.