Indian football team posted one of the most memorable performances in recent times by registering a famous 0-0 draw in Asia World Cup qualifiers against defending Asian champions Qatar in their own den. Keeper Gurpreet Singh was the star of the night, having successfully endured 27 shots and 15 corners to take a crucial point back home. The victory is even more special considering that the Men in Blue were playing against the ‘Spain of Asia’ without star striker Sunil Chhetri.
The team had come under some criticism over their fitness after giving away 1-0 lead in the final quarter against Oman.
However, India coach Igor Stimac rebuked the talks about fitness. “Against Qatar, we proved to everyone who were talking about a lack of fitness among the players. Qatar are in a different league as compared to any team in Asia, and my boys made sprints till the very last minute. They defended with such concentration throughout, which really proves their fitness capacity,” the 52-year old Croatian coach said.
“As a coach, I am more than happy to get a point against the Asian Champions. All credit to my players and I’m really proud of them. I would also like to congratulate Qatar as the crowd really enjoyed the match and there was good football on display.”
“Qatar had more chances than us. But we also had our own, and that make us more experienced. When we become a more experienced side, we will convert those opportunities,” he added.
Twitter Reactions
Here’s how Twitteratti reacted on India drawing against Qatar
— Arpith Rajagopal (@ArpithIam) September 11, 2019
Let's Go #BlueTigers ?
Goodluck to the @IndianFootball team for the game against Qatar! #QATIND #BackTheBlue— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) September 10, 2019
Absolutely bloody Brilliant @IndianFootball and as for @GurpreetGK …….Heroic!! And in front of Xavi no less #QATIND pic.twitter.com/IH31hp1sge
— Joe Morrison (@joefooty) September 10, 2019
FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers
Full-time: INDIA?? 0-0 Qatar??
Congrats Team India for giving a brilliant fight to the Asian Champions. Massive salute to Gurpreet Singh Sandhu who stood like a wall and didn't let them score any goal.?????#IndianFootball #QATIND #BlueTigers pic.twitter.com/O3fbuISMzv
— Sir Jadeja fan (@SirJadeja) September 10, 2019
Gurumeet today #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/ggkhEnwT3c
— Aditya Salunke (@adityasalunke98) September 10, 2019
Take a bow guys @IndianFootball @GurpreetGK ? #TheWall
The Dream is on
#FIFAWorldCup2022Qalifier pic.twitter.com/ZgUwi46tXm— Akash (@akashpanchasara) September 10, 2019
India got an amazing draw in last match against #qatar this will raise their confidence but they have to make their defence and attack more powerful.
As we saw that #qatar had dominated both defence and attack.
But well done boys. India is proud of you.@IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/3UAnQmBATJ— Ankur Singh 1 (@AnkurSingh110) September 11, 2019
We do it.. #IndianFootball ❤️⚽️⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/1rZQDtWgZt
— Rakib islam Gazi (@RakibislamGazi1) September 11, 2019
The self belief of our champions to challenge the Goliaths & hold their ground against all odds is now the defining spirit of New India.
Congratulations to Team India for holding Asian Champs Qatar to a goalless draw in WC Qualifier.#ThatsMyTeam pic.twitter.com/SRZG5zbEZC
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) September 11, 2019
Asian Champions , Qatar failed to score against ?
Brazil ??
Argentina ??
Colombia ??
&
INDIA ??#QATIND #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/kes8xt53eh— Suparno Roy Kumar (@Iamsroykumar) September 10, 2019
The great Wall of India vs Qatar football match today….Love you Indian football team. pic.twitter.com/nAGWRU2MPh
— Rasmi Ranjan pradhan (@iMRasmiranjan_) September 10, 2019
Qatar against India -0#QATIND pic.twitter.com/x26jMYgKDQ
— தேவர் மகன் ॐ ? (@Nithish_Twitz) September 10, 2019
I'M NOT CRYING YOU'RE CRYING
NO WAIT, I'M CRYING. ???????
WHAT A GAME OF FOOTBALL. HELD THE ASIAN CHAMPIONS AT BAY. STOLE 2 POINTS OFF THEM, ON THEIR HOME.
WE LOVE YOU, INDIA. WE DO.???
WHAT A NIGHT.
INDIA 0-0 QATAR. ??#AsianQualifiers #FIFAWC2022 @BluePilgrims pic.twitter.com/Ls7GjIAt83
— Adarsh Kumar Singh (@Saadhe6Footiya) September 10, 2019
