'Hopeless kids running around' - Indian football fans criticize India's lackluster display against Afghanistan in FIFA WC Qualifiers

By Alen Philip Mathew

Alen Philip Mathew has been a correspondent for Kerala Blasters, covering Indian football and Indian Super League for Khel Now since 2021.

Published at :March 22, 2024 at 3:11 AM

Modified at :March 22, 2024 at 3:49 AM

(Courtesy : AIFF Media)

India not only failed to win but also didn’t create ample opportunities.

The clash between India and Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers ended in a scoreless draw, igniting a storm of reactions on Twitter (X). Held at the Damac Stadium in Saudi Arabia, the match failed to meet expectations, leaving fans on the edge of their seats, not out of excitement, but sheer frustration.

Call for Change

One of the prominent themes emerging from the Twitterverse was the call for the dismissal of head coach Igor Štimac. Disappointed fans flooded Twitter (X) with tweets demanding significant improvements in the team’s strategy and performance and a change in leadership following the lackluster performance on the field.

1. AIFF arranged a chartered flight for the team to arrive early.2. Given sufficient training time3. No major injuries in the squad.But India still couldn't manage to beat the reserve Afghanistan team. What's your new excuse, @stimac_igor ?#IndianFootball l #AFGvsIND pic.twitter.com/4oQ2kqMf62
— Sai (@sai_k15) March 21, 2024

We need a good coach, who has tactics. Not this mf who has been here for 5 years. And there's no development. We couldn't create a good chance against Afghanistan. Where are we going? You either raise your voice or accept the mediocrity.#indianfootball pic.twitter.com/FJQLlWZILP
— Vishal 🏝️ (@Vishal_FCB) March 21, 2024

So when are we talking about the cycle of blaming of system, grassroots, clubs Government, office bearers, coaches, players etc#WCQ2026 #Indianfootball #IndianFootballForwardTogether #Vision2047 #AfgvsInd https://t.co/swXyE44Qmb
— Rutvij Joshi (@wineofwinsfield) March 21, 2024

Book the flight to Croatia for Stimac @IndianFootball Stimac Out!!!!!#IndianFootball
— Nishanka Dutta (@Nishankadutta) March 21, 2024

Criticism on Display

Criticism also targeted the perceived lack of commitment and creativity among the players. Many fans expressed frustration at the team’s inability to secure a victory against a lower-ranked opponent like Afghanistan.

CLUELESS is the word to describe this performance.Horrible display from the Indian men's football team against Afghanistan.A 0-0 draw at the end.#IndianFootball #INDvAFG pic.twitter.com/Cza67oNrY9
— Pritish Raj (@befikramusafir) March 21, 2024

Kind reminder: All these idiots are getting 1cr as a yearly salary to dive for the penalty against a semi pro side.Indian football ☕#AFGvsIND #WCQ2026 #indianfootball
— Rutvij Joshi (@wineofwinsfield) March 21, 2024

It's a total disappointment watching Indian Football Team playing, everyone was looking just dumbfucked on the field, not even a proper shot at Target 😶#indianfootball #indvsafg
— Sam (@Sam007269) March 21, 2024

Respect to all #IndianFootball fans who’ve stayed up all night, brought FanCode subscriptions to watch this 🙏🏼🫡
— Conrad Barreto (@conradbeckham) March 21, 2024

Frustration Mounts

The sentiment of disappointment was palpable across Twitter (X), with fans labeling the match as one of the worst they had witnessed. The inability to clinch a win against Afghanistan left supporters questioning the team’s capability and future prospects.

Absolute hopeless kids running around.. No strategy, no end game. Wasted bunch. How on earth are world cup matches taken so lightly.. Where was the passion and pride? What's the excuse this time? Rain? #IndianFootball #AFGIND
— Saiyan (@Flash963) March 21, 2024

Bad first touchNo ball controlNo idea where to passTerrible crossing Cannot dribble
— NILESH MANE (@nileshmane04) March 21, 2024

Just watched the Most Frustrating Football Match of our Indian Team at the #FIFAWorldCupQualifiers The @IndianFootball association should be Ashamed for this embarrassing display. The Most Populous country in the World 🇮🇳 We deserve better.. CHANGE THE SYSTEM @ianuragthakur… pic.twitter.com/Lt9S1P2ltw
— Nikhil Siddhartha (@actor_Nikhil) March 21, 2024

Indian football isn’t for everyone.It’s heartbreaking 💔 When will we see brighter days?Will we ever see brighter days?Did we not see this coming?It’s all so hopeless.We will be talking about the same thing in June.Nothing is gonna change. Goodnight.
— Akshata Shukla (@shukla_akshata) March 21, 2024

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Alen Philip Mathew

Football journalist with years of expertise covering Indian football, particularly Kerala Blasters and the Indian Super League. Alongside his passion for sports, he is a dedicated medical student. Alen specializes in match analysis, player interviews, and community reactions.