Football

“We need to discuss where our futures stand,” Igor Stimac after India’s World Cup Qualifiers elimination

India’s head coach Igor Stimac shared his disappointment after the team’s heart-breaking 2-1 loss against Qatar in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers second-round clash on Tuesday. The Blue Tigers took a lead as Lallianzuala Chhangte scored in the opening half.

However, Qatar equalized in a controversial manner as Youssef Aymen and Ahmed Al-Rawi combined to score for the hosts. On replays, it was clear that the ball had crossed the endline after going through Indian captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s legs. But, the linesman and the main referee adjudged it in Qatar’s favor, which was shocking.

As there is no VAR in the qualifiers, India was robbed in daylight and it was disappointing for all the fans. With this loss, India was knocked of the World Cup qualifiers and their dream of making to the third round for the first time, was also squashed.

The Croatian said all of India can be proud his team’s performance against Qatar.

​​“Hard feelings at the end of the game. I would say that there is nothing I should complain about my boys’ display today. They were fantastic. All Indian fans can be proud of the team today.

“We controlled the major parts of the game, with a high press that put the Qatari into positions to give away balls easily. We should’ve been 3-1 up in the first half and have killed the game. But something is missing in Indian football and that is clinical reactions inside the box, which is coming out as a result of not having the Indian players playing these positions in the ISL.

“Qatar was lucky tonight, especially because they came from 1-0 down with an irregular goal. I have just seen the replay and can confirm that the whole ball was over the line and the goal was still given. It’s something that shouldn’t be happening in modern football as that goal changed everything in this game.

“I feel sad because of that because I think as an organization, FIFA has enough power and resources to at least in the crucial games and the World Cup qualifiers use VAR and that should be implemented as soon as possible.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Match Preview

The inaugural champions Jaipur Pink Panthers will take the mat against Dabang Delhi K.C. in… Read More

November 21, 2024

Robert Lewandowski recalls playing under ‘difficult’ Pep Guardiola; explains how ex-Barcelona coach changed

Barcelona’s striker Robert Lewandowski recalled how Pep Guardiola was a difficult coach to play under… Read More

November 21, 2024

Ayush Chikkara aspires to be a ‘regular’ in Mumbai City FC’s team, says doesn’t want to take any external pressure

Mumbai City FC forward Ayush Chikkara wants to find a regular place in Petr Kratky’s… Read More

November 21, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz lauds Rafael Nadal’s legacy after retirement

World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz hailed Rafael Nadal’s legacy after the veteran Spaniard retired from the… Read More

November 21, 2024

Jamshedpur FC’s defender Ashutosh Mehta credits ‘100% professional’ Khalid Jamil for having a big impact in his life

Jamshedpur FC full-back Ashutosh Mehta has given credit to head coach Khalid Jamil for playing… Read More

November 21, 2024

Lakers star LeBron James says he’s taking a break from social media

Los Angeles Lakers’s superstar LeBron James has revealed he is taking a break from social… Read More

November 21, 2024