India’s aspirations to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were shattered in a dramatic 1-2 defeat against Qatar on Tuesday night, June 11, 2024. The close match at the home of the two-time Asian champions left Indian fans and players alike grappling with disappointment over narrow margins and contentious moments.
Source : TOI
In a post-match press conference, India head coach Igor Stimac expressed both pride and frustration. “I would say that there is nothing to complain about my boys’ display today. They were fantastic. All Indian fans can be proud of their team today. We controlled the game for a major part, with a high press against a good Qatari team. You could say that the chances India had were better than Qatar’s,” Stimac remarked.
Source:- BBC news
Despite India’s commendable performance, the match turned on a controversial equalizer from Qatar in the 73rd minute. “Qatar were lucky tonight, especially because they came back from 0-1 with an irregular goal. I can confirm that now because I have seen the replay. The whole ball was out of play and the goal was given. It shouldn’t be happening in today’s football because that goal changed everything in this game. It could’ve happened to Qatar today and I would say the same,” Stimac said.
The equalizing goal by Yousef Aymen swung the momentum in favor of Qatar, who then secured the victory with a stunning long-range strike from Ahmed Al-Rawi in the 85th minute. Stimac pointed out missed opportunities by his team, particularly in the first half. “We should have scored thrice in the first half to kill the game definitely,” he noted, emphasizing the need for clinical finishing in the final third.
A victory would have marked a historic moment for Indian football, securing a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers for the first time and direct qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Now, India’s journey to the continental tournament will continue in the Asian Cup Qualifiers Third Round, scheduled to begin in March 2025.
Reflecting on the overall performance and the future, Stimac added, “It’s kind of an injustice to my boys tonight because we were very close to winning this game and qualifying for the third round, but it didn’t happen. Congratulations to Qatar. I would say that both countries can be proud of their future because all the players showed enormous quality today. They played open football and it was obvious that both teams enjoyed the game.”
As India looks ahead, the heart-breaking defeat in Doha will serve as a reminder of the fine margins in football and the importance of resilience and precision in the quest for international success
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