Abu Dhabi: India suffered a 0-3 defeat at the hands of United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Asian qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup at the Sheikh Khlaifa Bin Zayed Stadium.
Two red cards in a span of four minutes dashed India’s hopes of clearing the qualifier on Saturday.
Defender Debabrata Roy and goalkeeper Subrata Paul were out for the rest of the match in the 21st and 24th minutes as they got red carded.
However, a dejected Team India Coach Armando Colaco lauded his boys for ‘playing a spirited game despite being reduced to nine-men.’
“The Red Cards were unnecessary and not justified,” Armando told reporters at the post match conference.
The scoreline does look one-sided but Armando insisted that one needs to remember that two of his boys were red-carded by the 24th minute itself.
“Everyone saw the match today and can easily make out what was right and what was wrong,” he said.
“The match was evenly poised and we were neck to neck before the two penalties were awarded,” he added.
Initially Debabrata Roy was red-carded for pushing Mohammed Al Shhehi in the box with Hamdan Al Kamali converting form the spot in the 21st minute and then goalkeeper Subrata Pal was given marching orders for an infringement on Ismail Al Hammadi in the 24th minute with Mohamed Al Shehhi gleefully converting from the spot.
Armando admitted that Subrata’s loss was a big blow to the team.
“He is not only a great goalkeeper but he organises the defence very well. Nevertheless we will put our best foot forward in the home game,” he said.
The second-leg is slated to be played at the Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi on July 28.
Armando, however, refused to accept that India would enjoy a distinct advantage while playing at home. (UNI)
