Football
FIFA World Cup qualifiers: India crash out, Qatar and Kuwait advance to Round 3- Highlights
A huge refereeing error with Qatar's equalizer dampens India's spirit as Qatar went on to grab a later winner, Kuwait score late against Afghanistan and climb to second spot.
With Chhangte's goal, India was on course for an upset victory over Qatar (Photo credit: FANCODE)
The last match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualifiers Round 2 ended in an agonizing defeat for India, who were leading 1-0 for a long time before a highly controversial call from the linesman gave Qatar the equalizer before they got a late winner.
India's dream of playing in the FIFA World Cup 2026 has come to an end as they finish behind Qatar and Kuwait, who won 1-0 against Afghanistan thanks to a late goal.
As it happened:
Live Updates
- 11 Jun 2024 4:19 PM GMT
31' What a miss!
How did India miss that? Manvir beats the goalkeeper and seems through on goal, but somehow Ellethy manages to get it away. The ball falls to Chhangte, who also misses the chance.
There's a tackle from behind on Chhangte, but the referee waves play on. India comes agonizingly close to scoring but is still unable to break the deadlock.
The ball fell kindly to Chhangte after Manvir missed his chance but somehow the ball was taken off his feet by the Qataris. (Photo Credit: FanCode) - 11 Jun 2024 4:11 PM GMT
24' What a miss!
Rahim Ali embarks on a blistering run through the box, dribbling past the Qatari defense with skill. With Manvir and Chhangte waiting in the box, Rahim opts to take the shot himself. However, his effort goes wide, missing the target. India had a golden opportunity there, but couldn't capitalize.
- 11 Jun 2024 4:06 PM GMT
18' It's that guy Alrawi again!
India launches a promising attack, but Rahim Ali loses possession in the middle of the park. Qatar quickly counter, with Ahmed Alrawi beating the offside trap. Alrawi shot from the far right towards the far post, but fortunately for India, the ball went wide.
Ahmed Alrawi comes close yet again! (Photo Credit: FanCode)
- 11 Jun 2024 4:02 PM GMT
14' Another chance for Qatar!
Ahmed Alrawi is tearing apart the Indian defense early in the game. This marks the third time he's come dangerously close to scoring. However, Gurpreet stands strong, making another crucial save to keep Qatar at bay.
- 11 Jun 2024 3:58 PM GMT
11' Shambolic defending from India!
Qatar comes scary close to scoring as Mohamed set up Ahmed Alrawi on the right. In the tense moment, Mehtab managed to put his body on the line to keep the ball out, preventing an early lead for Qatar. India's defense will need to tighten up quickly to avoid more scares like this.
Mehtab's heroic goal line block saves India's blushes. (Photo Credit: FanCode) - 11 Jun 2024 3:52 PM GMT
5' Qatar on the front foot!
Naif Alhadhrami gets a through ball from the middle of the park. Alhadhrami takes a first time shot but straight at Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
- 11 Jun 2024 3:50 PM GMT
Gurpreet called into action early on!
The newly appointed Indian captain got a feel for things making a strong save inside the opening 4 minutes.
A Qatar corner to the near post was flicked by the Qatari attacker onto the goal and Gurpreet had to stretch full length to tip the ball over the bar!
Gurpreet makes a fine save in the early minutes of the match(Photo Credit: FanCode) - 11 Jun 2024 3:46 PM GMT
And we are off!
The ball is rolling at the Ahmed Bin Ali stadium. India in their blue skin attacks from right to left.
- 11 Jun 2024 3:44 PM GMT
Players are out!
The players have taken the field and we are minutes away from kickoff!
Photo Credit: FanCode
