World Cup 2018: The history of Indian football team in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

1994 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

VP Sathyan led India at the 1994 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

India again withdrew itself from the 1990 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. But, they hadn't backed down from the 1994 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and decided to participate.

A total of 30 teams took part in the qualifiers and FIFA only granted 2 spots in the final tournament. This year, however, there would be only two rounds.

In the first round, the 30 teams were divided into 6 groups of 5 teams each with the teams playing against each other twice. Whosoever would win their group would advance to the final round.

India was placed in Group D alongside South Korea, Bahrain, Lebanon, and Hong Kong. From 7 May 1993 to 15 May 1993, India played four matches against the aforementioned teams in Beirut. India would draw with Lebanon 2-2 in their opening encounter but lose 1-2, 0-3, and 1-2 to Hong Kong, South Korea, and Bahrain respectively in their subsequent matches.

From 5 June 1993 to 13 June 1993, the reverse fixtures would be played in Seoul. In it, India lost 3-0 to Bahrain, 7-0 to South Korea, and 2-1 to Lebanon. However, they finished the tournament with a 3-1 victory over Hong Kong.

With only 1 draw and 1 win, India had performed pathetically and finished with just 3 points. Moreover, they finished at the bottom, and South Korea topped the group with 15 points.