A few important takeaways from India's games against Oman and UAE...
India took the field after 492 days without football and resumed their preparation for the upcoming World Cup-Asian Cup qualifiers with international friendlies against Oman and UAE in Dubai.
Head coach Igor Stimac handed out 11 debuts to Indian footballers and presented a new-look Blue Tigers to the audience back home. However, their displays left a lot to be desired.
A second-half header by Manvir Singh helped India hold Oman in the first game. Against the mightier UAE, Stimac's team was thrashed 6-0.
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It is important to remember that these are friendly games played to gain match fitness, experience, try out new methods and players on the field.