After a winning start to the campaign, Indian Football Team faced a major roadblock as they succumbed to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Qatar. Goals from Mustafa Mashal, Moez Ali, and Abdurisag handed Blue Tigers a lot at the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers home fixture in Bhubaneswar.
Qatar started the game on a strong footing itself, opening the score in the fourth minute of the game. The Maroons took the early lead through a corner with Mustafa Mashal finding the ball right outside the box. He launched it straight to the net after a chaotic Indian defence failed to clear.
India began cautiously, showing far too much dread for their visitors, who hosted and participated in the most recent World Cup. But, after falling behind by a goal and nearly allowing two more, Igor Stimac’s India had the bravery to face Qatar.
Anirudh Thapa, who came in for Sahal Abdul Samad, had the best chance for an equaliser. Following a giveaway, he was given with a one-on-one. However, an aggressive outside-the-foot shot sailed wide. The playmaker had been dragged back for Apuia, but his midfield companion had also missed the objective. Chhangte seems to be in the finest form for India.
The momentum India had at the end of the first half vanished in an instant, as Qatar made it 2-0 just after the second half began. Amrinder denied Afif after the attacker shot an attempt from deep. However, the Indian custodian fumbled it, and Almoez could not overlook it from a few yards away.
Indian Football Team was not as aggressive in the second half, but there were opportunities. When Sahal, who replaced Thapa, was one-on-one with Barsham in the Qatar goal, he pulled a left-foot attempt wide.
Suresh noticed Sahal floating in space, but it was all India could manage in the second half. Carlos Queiroz’s team undoubtedly intended to slow down for the rest of the game as they led 2-0, but their substitutes were keen and Mohammed Waad crossed for Abdurisag for a composed near post finish that clinched the job for the Asian Champions. With the win Qatar still hold the top position in Group A with 6 points.
India vs Qatar Starting XI
India XI
Amrinder Singh. Rahul Bheke, Subhasish Bose, Sandesh, Anirudh Thapa, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Apuia, Sunil Chhetri (C), Udanta Singh Kumam, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Nikhil Poojary
Qatar XI
Meshaal Barsham, Pedro Correia, Ahmed Fathy Abdoulla, Hasan Al Haydos (C), Akram Afif, Lucas Mendes, Homam Ahmed, Boualem Khoukhi, Almoez Ali, Tameem Mansour Alabdulla, Moustafa Tarek Mashal
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