India failed to make it to the quarter-finals of the Beijing Olympics qualifier, under-23 football tournament, after a 0-2 loss to Thailand in Bangkok on Wednesday.
Thailand took an early initiative by striking in the 20th minute and then scored again just nine minutes before the whistle to the seal the match.
Despite the victory, Thailand also failed to advance to the last eight stage. Myanmar was the other team that failed to qualify.
North Korea and Iraq booked quarter-final berths from the Asian group.
Team manager Shanto Mitra said the scoreline did not give a real picture of the match because the team really played well.
"Our team really played well. We had our chances but could not convert them," he said.
Mitra said the team missed their crucial players goalkeeper Subroto Paul and N S Manju.
"We really missed our regular goalkeeper Subroto Paul, who is injured and our main stopper N S Manju.
"I suggest special emphasis should be given to age group tournaments as they are our hope for the next Olympics," he added.
© 2024 Rediff.com -