‘Well played boys’ – Fans react to India’s gritty display against Qatar in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
By Alen Philip Mathew
India put up a spirited performance but succumbed to the might of Qatar.
The clash between India and Qatar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers match at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, sparked a storm of emotions among football enthusiasts, prompting a flurry of reactions on Twitter (X). Despite India’s commendable effort against a superior-ranked team like Qatar, the 3-0 scoreline in favour of Qatar left fans with mixed sentiments.
India’s performance draws praise amid disappointment
Amidst the disappointment, many fans lauded the Blue Tigers’ spirited performance against the formidable Qatar team. Tweets flooded in, acknowledging the team’s resilience and efforts, emphasizing that India held their own against a tough opponent, despite the scoreline not reflecting their valiant display.
#IndianFootball team has improved by leaps and bounds. Greater physicality and confidence in abilities is a welcome sign. However, need to stop being timid at critical moments, either in attack or defence. Freezing at crucial situations is suicidal. #IndiaVsQatar
— Mayank N. Singh🇮🇳 (@MayankNSingh) November 21, 2023
Cheer up guys, we created many good chances. Just some mistakes, which we have to learn from them.On to Asian Cup now! 🇮🇳💙#INDQAT #FIFAWorldCup #IndianFootball
— Saurabh Kahadane (@Saurabh___K) November 21, 2023
Well played boys🇮🇳👏.Lot of improvement required though.#INDQAT#FIFAWorldCup #FIFAWorldCupQualifiers#IndianFootball
— Shubham Vishwakarma (@oblivion_shubh) November 21, 2023
In 2019 match Qatar had 27 shots on target, today something 9 or 10Also we played good football as compared to that draw match #IndianFootball
— ० (@didumissedme1) November 21, 2023
Yeah we lost today but the fight our boys put today – it's commendable 🙌👏 I believe we will bounce back. We have to. We are capable enough. I still believe in my team. 💪💙🇮🇳#INDQAT #IndianFootball#BlueTigers 🐯 pic.twitter.com/rcbhIguVsM
— 𝓝𝓲𝓻𝓪 🤍 (@Littlemsfirefly) November 21, 2023
Frustration over missed opportunities
Frustration echoed through tweets, expressing dismay over missed chances that could have altered the outcome of the match. Fans lamented India’s inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, highlighting that seizing these moments could have potentially turned the tide in India’s favour.
Missing easy chances, lack of communication between forward lines and top of that we started the match with our 2nd choice keeper who looked nervous through out the game #INDQAT #IndianFootball https://t.co/jLpsdPPPJX
— Sandy (@baboo651156) November 21, 2023
It's a Stimac disaster class◾O shots on target 🎯◾ Udanta and Amrinder is not first team player◾ Nikhil Poojari got exposed at defence ◾ zero confidence, lack of communication between players#IndianFootball
— Suman (@Suman_24_1) November 21, 2023
Although the result we didn't want, but a game full of lessons as #Qatar win by 3 and managed to keep a clean sheet. #Bhubaneswar, you were a good audience today. IT IS NOT OVER YET#BleedBlue #IndianFootball #INDQAT pic.twitter.com/UZvpNNj2oD
— Digvijay Singh (@I_m_DigvijayS11) November 21, 2023
Qatar Beats India by 3-0Lost due to individual error. We Exposed ourselves defensively to which Qatar capitalised, warna Qatar bhi kuch bahot aacha nahi kheli. Draw ho sakta tha as we had opportunities. #FIFAWorldCupQualifiers #INDVSQAT#IndianFootball
— Sir chahal❁ (@Sirchahal) November 21, 2023
Very bad playing! Changed the goalie from previous match who got clean sheet! No vision, just putting pressure blindly! Defense not even clearing from the box! #IndianFootball
— AssaultSethu (@Assault002) November 21, 2023
Goalkeeper conundrum raises questions
One of the contentious issues causing a stir among fans was the absence of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, with Amrinder Singh taking the goalkeeper position in the match. Fans voiced their disappointment and confusion, questioning the decision behind the team selection.
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Keeping Gurpreet out was a bad decision from Igor 🙂 #IndianFootball #INDQAT pic.twitter.com/NCx8zu4nr1
— Abdul Rahman Mashood (@abdulrahmanmash) November 21, 2023
Amrinder was not a good choice to go with against a side like Qatar, same goes with Bheke.Waiting to see a few of those return from injury and us having a better XI.Lots to take in for Igor from this result. #IndianFootball #INDQAT #FIFAWorldCupQualifiers
— Godwin (@GodwinPaul24) November 21, 2023
@stimac_igor 's plan to test GK is fine but not with high intensity matches like these #INDQAT We could have used them in some other time.Really the score line would have been different if we played with GSS and we would have walk out with a point.#IndianFootball
— Vinay (@Vinaysj24) November 21, 2023
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