The shocking incapacity of South Korean match referees to recognize that the ball had gone out completely earned Qatar an equalizer before Ahmed Alrawi's game-winning shot through India.

It appeared as though India would be the second team to advance from Group A until the 73rd minute. In the 37th minute, Lallianzuala Chhangte gave India the lead, setting them up for an uncommon victory in this FIFA World Cup qualifying match on the road.

That was a disaster, but India wasn't to blame. Jeakson Singh, who played a strong defense throughout the game, gave up a free kick, but by the time Alhashmi Mohialdin brought it back, Youssef Aymen had already scored. India objected, but the goal remained since there was no VAR.

Minutes before Kuwait launched an attack against Afghanistan, Alrawi hit a long-range curler, indicating India would now need to triumph. India and Afghanistan finished on five points, and Kuwait was added to Qatar's third-round roster. Qatar went on to win 2-1 that evening. The thing that kills you is hope.

With both games beginning simultaneously, it would have seemed like India was introducing themselves before play began. It appeared as though India would score three at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium for the majority of the evening.

After more than two decades, India had almost won two World Cup qualifiers on the road. Rather, the conclusion would have evoked memories of the heartbreaking loss versus Bahrain during the 2019 Asian Cup finals. Or even worse, as India wasn't robbed that evening.