David Healy believes one of Northern Ireland's defenders should have "taken one for the team" to prevent Kazakhstan from claiming a smash-and-grab victory on Monday night.
Abat Aimbetov was afforded the freedom of Windsor Park, picking up possession deep in his own half before surging past two tame challenges and then rolling his shot past Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
Craig Cathcart and Paddy McNair had attempts to stop Aimbetov, while Ciaron Brown was also in close attendance when the substitute scored from inside the Northern Ireland box.
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Manager Michael O'Neill labelled the goal a "sucker punch", and it delivered another shuddering blow on Northern Ireland's Euro qualification hopes.
Former striker Healy was standing pitchside as the drama unfolded, with the Linfield boss part of Viaplay's live coverage.
He said afterwards: "It was all-too easy. It is the 88th minute, I am hoping Craig, with the experience that he has, maybe fouls Aimbetov, maybe hangs out the leg and trips him.
"The deeper it goes, Ciaron maybe makes Paddy a little bit indecisive in his decision to go to ground. I think if Ciaron drops off two or three yards instead of stopping and hesitating, that gives Paddy the opportunity to maybe take Aimbetov out and he won't be last man.
"In the 88th minute of the game, you don't want to sacrifice players, and certainly not experienced players like Paddy. But again, as a manager, I am sort of thinking take one for the team, possibly.
"Take him out and you hope maybe VAR or the referee makes the wrong decision. Maybe Ciaron drops off a yard behind the ball so you maybe get away with it.
"I think Aimbetov should have been fouled twice in the build-up."
Healy added: "Craig could have followed Aimbetov into the Kazakhstan half and smothered him, body checked him.
"Craig is an experienced player who has played at the top level. I am hoping he makes a decision to maybe smother the player before he can turn.
"Once he turns, Craig has to hang a leg and foul him.
"Ciaron possibly makes it an issue for Paddy that he feels he has to dive in. But if Ciaron drops off then Paddy knows he won't get a red card if he brings the player down.
"We were masters of our own downfall."
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