Doha: India, ranked 147 in the world, pulled off a 2-1 victory over 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar in a friendly at the Al Sadd Stadium.
Both teams were preparing for their World Cup Asian Zone qualifiers on July 23 when Qatar take on Vietnam in Doha and India travel to the United Arab Emirates.
India put up a spirited display against the 94th-ranked Qatar, who took time to settle despite being back home from a two-week training camp in France.
India went ahead with a 16th-minute penalty from former Kansas City Wizards striker Sunil Chhetri.
Striker Sushil Kumar Singh made it 2-0 in the 72nd minute and it was only then that the Qataris showed some sense of urgency.
Though the home team hit back in the very next minute, it was too little too late.
Bureau Report
First Published: Monday, July 18, 2011, 08:36