Two quick second-half strikes by Mohammed Marran broke Indian hearts as the Blue Tigers lost 2-0 to Saudi Arabia in their Round-of-16 encounter in the Hangzhou Asian Games on Thursday.

However, Igor Stimac's bravehearts can hold their heads high. The performance they put in despite so much uncertainty in the build-up to the tournament deserved cheers.

India's plan, right from the get-go, was to turn the game into a physical, gritty and scrappy battle. Stimac had stressed on the importance of fighting it out on the pitch and it was no surprise to see the players put bodies behind the ball and rely on the counter to surprise their opponents.

Saudi Arabia, the current under-23 Asian Cup holders, had come out of a group that also had Iran and Vietnam. Despite holding possession for large periods of the first half, they didn't really have too many clear chances to go ahead.

For the first quarter, they were reduced to taking shots at goal from a distance as Chinglensana Singh and Sandesh Jhingan marshalled the defence beautifully to keep them at bay.

India had their first chance of the game in the 14th minute, Sunil Chhetri the architect and the artist, cutting past three Saudi players, before a lucky bounce presented him with a chance to shoot at goal from outside the box. His attempt, however, went straight into the arms of Ahmed Fahad.

From thereon, Saudi Arabia recognised India's threat on the counter and pressed higher and harder to negate it. Every clearance or loose ball was immediately snatched upon, and the Indian team were forced back into their own half for most of the half.

In the 51st minute, Mohammed Shamat sent a perfect cross from the right flank and Marran outwitted his marker Jhingan to powerfully nod it home giving his team the lead.

The goal did create a bit of panic in the Indian ranks and the second goal was completed in five touches.

After snatching the ball in the Indian defensive third, a defence splitting through pass freed the Al Nassr striker on the right side of the penalty box.

The fourth touch was dodge which beat the outstretched hands of goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh and the fifth touch was a push into the goal.