India had the chance to create history against Iraq but controversial decisions stole the show
For only the seventh time and the first time since 2010, India vs Iraq took place and in the light of history. In the six previous meetings, Iraq defeated India four times and drew two times. One of them went on to result in a 4-2 penalty shootout loss. But it was a golden opportunity for the Blue Tigers to take one back in the Thai FA King’s Cup on Thursday.
India drew the first blood with a beautiful move to add to their team goals catalog (17′). Sahal played Mahesh through brilliantly, the latter moved in from the inside left channel and slotted it into the bottom of the near post. But soon after, Sandesh Jhinghan got yellow-carded for a handball inside the penalty area. A clear handball, no arguments. Gurpreet dived the right way, but Ali Al-Hamadi’s shot went past his 198 cm frame.
Second half had a much more distinct difference between the sides. Iraqis had more possession but the defence stood like an indestructible wall. It took a controversial penalty decision for the Iraqis to have an opening on Gurpreet. Aymen Hussain was hammed in between Jhinghan and Nikhil Poojary. He fell down and won the penalty. Aymen scored on the left of Gurpreet, who again was beaten despite diving right.
Before that, a freak goal happened in the favour of India. In the 51st minute, a counter-attack brewed when an attacker lost the ball. Manvir played it to Akash Mishra in the box who decided to square it first-time. Keeper and Skipper Jalal Hussain fumbled it into his own net.
After the end of regulation time, the game headed straight to penalties.
Brandon Fernandes, who was subbed in, missed the first penalty. Jhinghan, Suresh, Anwar, and Rahim Ali converted their turns but Iraq scored all five of them in return. Thus, India lost 4-5 in the shootout. The unbeaten run in 2023 still remains intact as penalty shootout results don’t count in the final evaluation.
“Someone decided to rob” – Stimac
Head Coach Igor Stimac didn’t show up for the press conference. Neither did anyone from the Indian camp. He later tweeted, “Our boys left everything on that pitch tonight and I am immensely proud of them! Someone decided to rob them from winning tonight but the time will come sooner than many expect that even referees will not be able to stop my boys from winning such games!”
Iraq’s Head Coach Jesus Garcia also said in the post-match presser that the second call was doubtful.
India will face Lebanon for the fourth time in the year after Lebanon lost to hosts Thailand. The third place play-off will be played on September 10.
