India’s hopes of advancing to the third round of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers ended in despair on Tuesday (Jun 10) as Qatar came from behind to secure a 2-1 win. In front of a boisterous Indian expat crowd at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, the Blue Tigers led the match for 73 minutes before the hosts pulled back a goal, courtesy of a howler of a call from the linesman. 

Replays showed the ball had gone beyond the byline after goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu failed to cleanly gather it, fired by a Qatari player. As the Indian players switched off, Qatar pulled the ball back and slotted it into an unguarded, empty Indian net. While the Indian players appealed, the referee and the linesman refused to overturn their decision, which allowed Qatar to dominate the match and eventually score the winner.  

ALSO READ | Why is Erik ten Hag growing ‘frustrated’ with Manchester United board? Report reveals…

India were chasing an improbable dream of progressing to the third round of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers for the first time in their history. Despite the gulf in quality between the two sides, India gave a fair account of themselves and nearly walked out with an astonishing result against the current Asian champions.

The visitors started the game rather gingerly as Qatari forwards called Sandhu into action, two minutes after the starting whistle was blown. Up until the 20th minute, India remained pinned back in their own half as Qatar players circulated the ball efficiently. 

However, a change in strategy midway through the half from Stimac meant the players started pressing the opponent aggressively. The tactic paid rich dividends as India started winning the second balls routinely and initiating counterattacks. 

Manvir Singh had the best chance of the match as he was one-on-one versus the Qatari goalkeeper who managed to get his body in the line. Despite the miss, India kept up the intensity and few minutes later, Lallianzuala Chhangte, running across the six-yard box from the right, slotted the ball past the Qatari keeper after Brandon Fernandes drilled in a beautiful pass.  

India ended the half strongly but the visitors came out with renewed vigour on the other side. Wave after wave of attacks were thwarted by the resolute back three of Anwar Ali, Rahul Bheke and Mehtab Singh — that is up until the ghost goal was given. 

After the equaliser, Qatar managed the proceedings and found another opening in the 85th minute when Ahmed Al-Rawi curled in a beautiful shot from the edge of the box past Sandhu. 

India’s defeat meant that Kuwait, alongside Qatar advanced to the next round of qualifiers. Kuwait managed to beat Afghanistan at home 1-0 to secure the second place after having begun the day at the bottom of the points table in Group A. 

You can now write for Baazigarnews.com and be a part of the Baazigar family. Share your stories and opinions with us here.