U20 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers LIVE: India loses 2-4 to Iraq - Updates, Results, Scores, Blog

FULL TIME: INDIA LOSES

They had the lead at the end of the first half, but that was just a ruse. Iraq were clearly the more dominant side then and they continued it in the second half as well, slotting in 3 inside 45 minutes.

The Indian defence was in shambles today and their midfield felt non-existent. The front three did show some beautiful moves, but that was never going to be enough.

Right then, not the best of starts for India's U20 AFC Asian Cup and they would look for a much improved performance when they take the field on Sunday.

IND 2-4 IRQ

5 minutes added!

5 minutes of added time in the match. Will India be able to find a consolation goal?

90' - Gurkirat finds the post!

A beautiful header from Gurkirat Singh from the edge of the box from a long pass, and he finds the post. That was so close. Brilliant effort.

83' - Iraq slows the game down

They know they have this in the bag and Iraq have smartly slowed the game down. India, on the other hand, continue to struggle to even win the possession.

78' - Not looking good for India

This is not looking good for India at all now. The players have lost their confidence and seem to have given up on this already. Can they pull at least one back?

71' - OWN GOAL, INDIA!

A good cross from Iraq into the box and the Indian skipper Bikash Yumnam dives to deflect it away, but unfortunately that header has gone into their own goal. 

That goal would have been talked for years, if it would have come on the other end from Yumnam.

IND 2-4 IRQ

63' - IRAQ TAKE THE LEAD!

India are in trouble now, they are in big, big trouble. The defensive unit to be blamed once again as Iraq take the lead. This time the play was created from the right flank with a beautiful pass and Ali Shaheen slides and slots it in. IRAQ HAS TAKEN THE LEAD!

IND 2-3 IRQ

61' - Iraq in control

Much like the first half, it is the Iraqis who are calling the shots in the field. India needs to find those counter attacks and convert much like what they did back then.

51' - IRAQ EQUALISE!

As expected, the defensive unit brings India's downfall. A beautiful cross from the right flank by Iraq and the Indian defenders are casual. They make no effort to win the aerial duel and Hayder Tofee takes toll with a wonderful header.

IND 2-2 IRQ

50' - India looking dangerous on counter

Indian once again come out on a dangerous counter. This time it is started on the left flank from Taison with a long through pass. Himanshu Jangra hunts the ball down and penetrates with multiple defenders covering him, but the pass across is not the best.