FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Qatar vs India, combined hits and flops

#2 Udanta Singh (Hit)

Udanta Singh was a livewire in the field

India failed to make any positive moves in the first half and it was expected that they would adopt a similar strategy in the second half as well. But they amazed everyone by playing open football, that too against a strong side like Qatar. Udanta Singh combined well with Abdul Sahal Samad, who produced through balls to the winger at regular intervals. The speedy winger used the right wing efficiently, hurling in crosses to the striking zone.

India’s most remarkable moment came in the 82nd minute when Manvir Singh outwitted his marker and gave a lay-off to Udanta Singh. The Bengaluru FC-footballer positioned himself perfectly and struck a curler with the left foot which missed the target by a whisker. Abdulkarim Hassan, who marked Udanta, had a tough time to check the flurry of attacks from the Indian.

#1 Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Hit)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made some spectacular saves

India skipper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was the man of the occasion. He probably played one of his best matches for the national team and put in a mammoth effort in guarding the goal for the entire length of the match. He was put under pressure from the first minute itself.

A 20th-minute strike from Hassan Al-Haydos was saved acrobatically by the Indian with his fingertips. He was busy throughout the match and saved India multiple times. Gurpreet made a couple of important saves in the dying seconds of the first half as well.

In the 45th minute, Abdelkarim Hassan’s long-ranger was put away by Gurpreet. A minute later, he made a full stretch dive to his right to deny the hosts the opening goal once again. He was tested even more in the second half, but the gloveman shows nerves of steel and ensured India head back home with a crucial away point.