Football: India lose to Iraq on penalties after a dominating show in King’s Cup semi-final

The Indian men’s football team suffered tight loss, on Thursday, as they went down 5-4 on penalites against a higher ranked Iraq team in the semi-final of the King’s Cup in Thailand.

It was a typical story of so near and yet so far for India as they played their hearts out to hold Iraq to a 2-2 draw in 90 minutes before losing in the shootout.

The Blue Tigers twice took the lead against the 70th ranked team, only to find the lead getting cancelled by the two spot kicks awarded against them.

However the story that unfolded will be remembered for a long time, as India came agonisingly close to securing their first-ever win over Iraq.

The defeat also marked the end of India’s unbeaten streak of 12 matches as they suffered their first loss of the year.

The early stages of the match showcased India’s determination. Naorem Mahesh Singh ignited Indian hopes when he found the back of the net in the 16th minute as he smoothly capitalised on a sublime pass from Sahal Abdul Samad. It was a moment of brilliance as Mahesh deceived Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hasan by slotting the ball past him at the near post.

However, Iraq responded switfly, drawing level in the 28th...

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