India vs Pakistan Football Friendly
AIFF

Pakistan coach Muhammad Shamlan Al-Mubarak says beating India is very easy - just stop the team's captain and talisman Sunil Chhetri.

Pakistan defeated India 2-0 in the second and final match of the U-23 friendlies in Bangalore on Wednesday, to square the series 1-1.

Pakistan skipper Kaleem Ullah scored from a free-kick in the 38th minute, while Saddam Hussain wrapped up the match in the 90th minute and was awarded Man of the Match.

Al-Mubarak applauded his side for their performance on the day and revealed his plan which helped Pakistan beat India.

"It's very easy for any coach to stop India. You stop Sunil Chhetri and your job is done," the Pakistan coach pointed out. "We had a close look at India in the first match and were confident of winning the second match which we have done. The boys executed everything to perfection.

"It was a psychological battle and we were better prepared for it. I'm very happy as we assessed the situation after the first game, we improved and we played very well today. We did make a few positional changes in our defence and worked on our set-pieces and I'm very happy with the result against an Indian side that had more quality players on the pitch."

Meanwhile, Indian coach Wim Koevermans admitted that it was a disappointing performance from his team but was confident the players can perform better in the future.

"It is a result we didn't expect. We kept losing balls too easily," Koevermans stated. "We just couldn't build the momentum and instead of punishing them, got punished.

"My players can play better than this. This defeat is also a learning process for me as much it is for my boys. You need to take your chances that come your way. Unless you take them, you don't get the desired result."

Meanwhile, Koevermans also accused Pakistan of time wasting and slowing down the pace of the match.

"It was clear right from the first minute of the game that Pakistan intended to waste time. In the second half they did not want to play football and they tried everything to defend their lead."

India will now feature in the Asian Games, for which the squad is currently preparing.