india-s-historic-chance-stolen-lose-1-2-to-qatar

India was denied a chance to make history in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers due to questionable refereeing. 

 

Despite Lallianzuala Chhangte scoring in the 37th minute to put India ahead, the referee's decision to allow Yousef Aymen's 73rd-minute equaliser, which seemed to have gone out of play, turned the game around. 

 

Shame on Qatar and shame on Refrees.

Qatar blatantly cheated to defeat India 2-1 in World Cup qualifiers.

The ball clearly crossed the line, Qatar player pulled the ball back and referee calls It Goal.pic.twitter.com/TaYSJdsUhZ

— Ankur Singh (@iAnkurSingh) June 11, 2024

This controversial goal tilted the game in Qatar's favour, and they went on to score their second goal through Ahmed Al-Rawi in the 85th minute. 

 

This disappointing turn of events occurred after India had been in a promising position, leading 1-0 at halftime, with the other match of the day between Kuwait and Afghanistan remaining goalless.

 

But the Indian dream was shattered in a few minutes in the second half, courtesy of Aymen's controversial goal and Al-Rawi's ensuing strike.

 

Meanwhile, Eid Al-Rashidi struck the winner for Kuwait in the 81st minute. Qatar and Kuwait thus progressed to the second round.

 

Earlier, playing barely five days after the international retirement of arguably the country's greatest footballer, Sunil Chhetri, not many gave the beleaguered 121-ranked India side a chance.