Tough Luck for India as they lose to Oman
India lost 2 – 1 to Oman in their first group D fixture of 2018 WC and the 2019 Asian cup joint qualifier at the Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore..
It took all but 25 seconds for Oman to take the lead when the Indian defenders gave away too much space to their opponents. Striker Qasim Said neatly shot the ball between Subrata Paul’s legs. Mohsin Al Khaldi did well to try to get past the Indian keeper when his free-kick taken from left side almost found the far corner However, Paul did well to tip the ball outside for a corner.
Anto’s throw-in from the right found Chhetri who dribbled in and took a powerful left footed shot from inside the box which struck the far post to successfully beat the keeper.
Post Chhetri’s goal, India found a few chances when C.Vineeth made a run on the Right side and let a cross in to Robin Singh however, Al Habsi came off his line to collect.
In the 38th minute, the Indian defense couldn’t track Al-Farsi’s run and the Omani was given space to find his way into the box.
Dhanachandra Singh tackled too late and ended up tripping the attacker, the referee Ko Hyung Jin had little hesitation in giving away a penalty as it was clearly a foul.
Emad Al Hosni converted his penalty in style when he sent Paul the other way with his shot only to give the visitors the lead once again.
Robin Singh managed to find the net for India in the second half but a controversial decision by the referee saw the goal ruled out as offside.
The score-line remained the same until the end as Oman bagged three crucial points in their first Group D game. India will be encouraged by their display and look to do well against Guam next on June 16th, 2015.