Kings Cup: India loses to Iraq in penalty shootout, bows out of semis
21' Chance for Iraq!
Iraq is not giving up easily! Karim attempts a shot from outside the box, but it goes wide of the target. A sigh of relief for India's defense.
16' GOOAAALLLL!!!
What a moment of brilliance! Mahesh Naorem finds the back of the net with a fantastic left-footed finish. Sahal's perfectly timed through ball from the middle of the park unlocks the defense, and Mahesh beats the offside trap, dancing through the defenders to slot the ball into the bottom left corner. India takes the lead!
Iraq 0 - 1 India
13' Offside!!!!
A promising moment for India as Anirudh Thapa delivers a through ball to Akash Mishra on the left flank. However, the referee raises the flag for an offside call, denying what could have been a great chance.
7' Thapa with a timely clearance!
Iraq seems to be slowly building up the pressure on India. Hussein's push down the left flank and his cross into the Indian box could have been dangerous, but Anirudh Thapa steps up with a timely clearance, averting the threat.
3' Early attack from India!
India is showing some early attacking intent, with Mahesh making a strong run down the right flank.
Despite Salih's attempt to intercept, Mahesh manages to regain possession, but the ball takes a bounce, just a bit too far.
Kick off!
And we're off! India faces a formidable challenge today, especially without the leadership of our captain Sunil Chhetri.
India in their blue jersey plays from right to left.
Starting XI
India: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Goalkeeper), Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan, Akash Mishra, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, Manvir Singh, Jeakson Singh, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Nikhil Poojary, Ashique Kuruniyan
Iraq: Jalal (Golkeeper), Doski, Putros, Sulaka, H. Ali, Ammari, Rashid, Al-Hamadi, Resan, Bayesh, H. Ali
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