India football head coach Manolo Marquez said that the dressing room atmosphere had the air of a funeral after the Blue Tigers lost 1-0 to Hong Kong in the Asian Cup qualifiers on Tuesday. The Spaniard, however, remained optimistic that they will be able to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup.
India conceded in the fifth minute of stoppage time on Tuesday, slumping to a second straight goalless outing in Asian Cup qualifiers, jeopardising their chances of qualifying for the Asian Cup.
“…we are not very happy. We are sad. The dressing room is like a funeral, practically. But I still think that India has possibilities to qualify,” Marquez said.
“The game is easy to speak. Two teams fighting and that’s all. Without too many chances. I think both teams defended both with order and one action. This is football,” he added.
Ranked 26 places above their opponents in the FIFA charts, the Indians were undone by poor finishing and lack of composure in key moments. India should have taken the lead in the 35th minute when Ashique Kuruniyan misjudged the delivery and fluffed a golden chance from close range. India now have just one point from two matches in Group C. With only the group winners advancing to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, the task ahead would be arduous.
“…we are not in a good moment. In terms of scores, it’s difficult for us to score. But it’s true that the team played with more order than in other games. This is true. But, unfortunately, we couldn’t get any points here.” Marquez said.
“I repeat again, it’s for me a very equal game and unfortunately for us, practically in the last action, we lost at least one point and Hong Kong have three points. I told in the dressing room, obviously we want to win. But sometimes the team doesn’t know how to draw. And today, if you couldn’t win the game before the minute 90-91, at least try to be in a position to avoid the defeat. But I feel that India is still in the fight,” he added.
