'Don't just need the hook but the crook as well': Gurpreet Sandhu speaks out after robbery in Qatar

Qatar defeated India 2-1 in their World Cup qualifier match yesterday. Despite Lallianzuala Chhangte's 37th-minute goal for India, Qatar turned the game around with goals from Yousef Aymen in the 73rd minute and Ahmed Al-Rawi in the 85th minute, and the goals were nothing short of controversial. The statistics showed Qatar with 18 shots and 56% possession, compared to India with 9 shots and 44% possession. The match, staged at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, saw Qatar defeat India to preserve their lead in Second Round Group A. In a disgraceful decision that has enraged football fans, the referee permitted Qatar's contentious equaliser against India despite the ball obviously going out of play. This occurrence happened in the second half of the contest.

Also Read: India lose 1-2 to Qatar to end hope of entering third round of Qualifier

Captain Gurpreet Singh Sindhu breaks silence after India’s controversial defeat vs Qatar in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

After India's controversial defeat against Qatar in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu finally speaks out, expressing disappointment over the contentious decisions that marred the match, including the controversial equalizer allowed by the referee despite the ball going out of play, fueling fan outrage and debate. The new Indian football team captain posted on social media: 

“We had the belief, we had the chance to make amends even after everything. The boys gave everything on that pitch last night to make it happen but yet it didn't. Yesterday's unfortunate result and the incident of the equaliser is a lesson that where we want to go, you don't just need the hook but the crook as well. No one will hand us anything, we have to take it!

For all the people who supported us throughout this campaign even with lows and the highs, thank you, we hear you and we will make you proud.” 

Also Read: India vs Qatar: AIFF to lodge formal complaint against scandalous goal

Needing a victory to get to the third round of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying for the first time in history, India played Qatar away. Lallianzuala Chhangte led early, but a contentious equaliser from Qatar caused controversy to surround the game.

Yousef Aymen scored for Qatar under controversial conditions in the 73rd minute. Once goalie Gurpreet Singh Sandhu saved an Aymen header, Indian players concluded the ball was out of play. But the whistle never went, and Al Hassan, a defender for Qatar, recovered the ball and handed it to Aymen, who scored from close quarters.

The Indian players angrily objected, claiming that it was obvious the ball was out of play. Officials of the game gave Qatar the goal in spite of their protests. The lineman was conferred with by South Korean referee Kim Woo-sung, who then maintained his first ruling.

The disputed goal was uncontested in the second round of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying because the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system was not in place.