The Match
– Fixture: India vs Qatar, FIFA World Cup Qualifying third round
– Date: 11 June 2024
– Location: Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha
– Kickoff: 9.15 PM IST (telecast on FanCode, live blog on espn.in)
The Big Picture
India’s national football team faces a formidable challenge as they prepare to take on Qatar in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier. The match marks the beginning of the post-Sunil Chhetri era, as India seeks to advance to the next stage without their legendary striker.
Following a disappointing 0-0 draw with Kuwait, India’s qualification hopes hang by a thread. Currently second in their group with five points, they are tied with Afghanistan and just one point ahead of Kuwait. To progress, India needs at least a draw against the reigning Asian champions, Qatar.
India’s Chances
The task is daunting, but not impossible. Qatar, secure in their group’s top spot, has opted to rest key players like Akram Afif and Almoez Ali. This presents an opportunity for India, though Qatar’s young squad remains formidable.
A win for India would nearly guarantee their progression, barring a significant victory by Afghanistan over Kuwait. Even a draw could suffice, depending on the outcome of the Afghanistan-Kuwait match
Source : TOI
Key Players to Watch
Qatar
– Ahmed Al-Rawi: The young forward impressed against Afghanistan and will be a key threat. His agility and scoring ability will test India’s defense.
Source:- BBC news
– Tahsin Jamshid: A promising winger with roots in Kerala, Jamshid is a product of Qatar’s Aspire Academy and is poised to make an impact.
India
– Lallianzuala Chhangte: Coming off a stellar ISL season, Chhangte is India’s most potent attacking threat. With seven international goals, he is now the team’s highest active goalscorer and needs to step up in Chhetri’s absence.
Concerns and Solutions
Qatar
– Coach Tintin Marquez’s main concern is integrating his bench strength for the future. With no major injuries, the focus will be on evaluating young talent.
India
– Scoring Dilemma: With Chhetri having scored 49% of India’s goals over the past five years, others must step up. Chhangte is the best bet, but the team needs a collective effort to find the net.
Predicted XIs
Qatar (3-4-2-1): Saad Al Sheeb (GK); Abdalla Yousif, Mohammad Aiash, Yousef Marel; Tahsin Jamshed, Naif Al Hadrami, Mostafa Meshaal, Homam Elamin; Abdullah Al Yazidi, Yusuf Abdurisag; Ahmed Al Rawi
India (4-2-3-1): Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Anwar Ali, Jay Gupta; Jeakson Singh, Suresh Singh; Lallianzuala Chhangte, Sahal Abdul Samad, Liston Colaco; Manvir Singh
Conclusion
India’s match against Qatar is more than just a World Cup qualifier; it’s a test of resilience and adaptability in the post-Chhetri era. Coach Igor Stimac faces intense pressure, especially after stating he would resign if India fails to progress. The team must harness collective strength and seize this opportunity to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
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