The Indian Football team experienced a heart-wrenching moment during their FIFA World Cup Qualifier Round 2 match against Qatar. In the 73rd minute, Qatar scored a contentious goal that tied the match, causing an uproar among Indian fans.
The ball had clearly gone out of bounds before Youssef Ayman managed to score from outside the box, securing the win for the hosts.
Indian fans swiftly turned to social media to voice their outrage, causing the hashtag #Cheating to trend on ‘X‘.
What’s going on here? This is cheating! The ball went out. #IndianFootball #FIFAWorldCup #FIFAWWC #IndiavsQatar #Qatar #cheating pic.twitter.com/3Gx0LiPCvo
— Nashra Rizvi (@NashraRizvi110) June 11, 2024
Qatar robbed India’s spot for FIFA World Cup by cheating openly
It’s clearly visible that ball has crossed the line for a goal-kick but the nasty Qataris pull it back to tuck in.
CLEARLY NOT A GOAL…!!! 😡 @FIFAcom #IndianFootball #QATIND #FIFA #cheating pic.twitter.com/MCYPAqRrpP
— Lakshay Mehta (@lakshaymehta31) June 11, 2024
Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: Australian Batter Reprimanded For ICC Code Of Conduct Breach vs England
A Heart-breaking moment in Indian football history.
– INDIA CLEARLY ROBBED…!!!#cheating pic.twitter.com/A1jorN4RAd
— Ritesh Mishra (@Ritesh_Mishraaa) June 11, 2024
A Heart-breaking moment football history.
– INDIA CLEARLY ROBBED…!!! Qatar was so desperate that they had to cheat to win
FIFA ranking Qatar 34 and India 121 #cheating
pic.twitter.com/hIYmwimTA0— Saanjana Rathore 🦋⃟🚩 (@saanjana918_R) June 12, 2024
India was in a crucial position, needing a win to achieve a historic qualification to the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The turning point came in the 73rd minute when a Qatari player, despite the ball clearly crossing the touchline, brought it back into play. This led to Youssef Ayman effortlessly scoring into an open net, leaving the Indian team and their fans stunned.
The Indian team instantly contested the goal, but their objections were dismissed as both the referee and the linesman upheld the goal, overlooking the obvious violation. This controversial decision triggered widespread outrage and disappointment among Indian fans, who believed their team had been unfairly treated in a crucial match.
Despite this setback, the Indian team showed exceptional resilience and determination. They kept pressing on, striving for the goal that would regain their lead and keep their hopes of advancing alive. However, in the 85th minute, Ahmed Al Rawi, who had faced challenges throughout the match, scored a remarkable goal from outside the penalty area. This sealed the victory for Qatar and dashed Indian hopes.
The Blue Tigers started the evening in second place in their group but were demoted to third following this devastating loss. This defeat dashed their hopes of progressing to Round 3 of the World Cup qualifiers. Despite this setback, the Indian team will now turn their attention to the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Third Round qualification, aiming to redeem themselves and bring pride to their nation.
