The Syrians had looked invincible prior to the kick-off and their tactical and aggressive nature further came into prominence today, but lack of organisation caught them on the wrong foot.
On the other hand, India came into the match after suffering a 2-3 defeat to Uzbekistan in their opening fixture.
The team effort could have earned Colm Toal's boys three points if not the post had stood to deny Khiangte Lalramzuava off a freekick and had some of the headers off setplays not conspired against India.
Not overawed by the physical presence of the Syrians, most of who were almost 6-feet, the nippy Indians initially played among themselves at a fast pace and restricted the game to the rival half.
The initial thrust almost paid dividends when in the sixth minute, captain Lalramzuava's free-kick from the edge of the box beat all before hitting the post. Three minutes later, rival goalkeeper Khaled Ibrahim gathered it in time before either Sarthak Golui or Uttam Rai could pounce upon.
The blocking in the midfield proved to be exceptional. The four in the middle coordinated with the back four and the Syrians were getting frustrated.
Further, the distribution into the vacant areas stretched them, the result of which in the 31st minute, the Indians came agonisingly close to netting one of many Lalramzuava's curlers.
Three minutes later, striker Daniel Lalhimpuia got past the rival stopper but the latter recovered just in time to prevent the Indian from having a crack as the slate remained clean at the interval. MORE
