The journey of United Sports to the elite I-League after eight years received a big blow on Tuesday. The team lost to Delhi FC 2-3 and now the unbeaten team in its group league qualifiers is being forced to lean back against the wall. With no points from two matches now their chances of qualifying for the elite I-League look very remote.

Still, the team's Belgian coach Steve Herbots motivated the boys after the match by inducing the belief that chance is still there. Steve explained, "We have two matches left. We need six points. At the same time, if anyone draws, anyone loses to another then we have a chance of making calculations. I have said to the boys that they still can make it happen." 

Despite trailing by three goals United Sports bounced back after the break reducing margin through Rahul Roy and a brilliant long-range right-footer from Tarak Hembram. Still, they were a victim of poor supervision, especially in the late second session when United Sports was denied spot-kicks twice. Delhi FC defenders used their hands to clear the balls from inside the box. 

United Sports has planned to submit an official complaint attaching the video clippings of the moments where Delhi FC defenders handled the balls inside the box. Still, club chairman Nabab Bhattacharya lamented, "We are unlikely to get the justice. Today our local boys proved that there is not much difference between a team having ISL footballers and another team that nurtures footballers of Bengal. We were forced to concede the defeat." 

Steve however refused to comment on referring. He said, "Everybody has seen the game. Rather I should look at my boys, try to help them rectify mistakes."

The Belgian coach while analyzing his boys' performance said, "If you look at the last two matches, the boys were not at their best. There are certain reasons behind this. I do not want to mention it. I will discuss with the club's top brass regarding the issue shortly. I can mention two things. One is, everyone in the club has to work professionally and with the same motive which will bring the result ultimately. The second important issue I can say is that if you are not hundred percent fit then you will get physically and mentally tired while performing. You need to have the best level of fitness to deliver at the highest level of the game. A lot of sacrifice is needed to reach this level. These boys are extremely potential. They outplayed even a team today in the second half where experienced footballers who participated in ISL played. But they need to change their mindset, become professional."