As India gears up to face off against Qatar, the reigning AFC Asian Cup 2023 champions and 34th ranked team in the world, in the final second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, all eyes are on head coach Igor Stimac and his team. With their last chance to advance to the next stage, the Indian football team will have to put up a strong fight against a heavily favored Qatar side. Fans and critics alike are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this crucial match, which could potentially determine the fate of Indian football in the years to come.
India Faces Qatar in Crucial FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Background
India's national football team is set to face its biggest challenge yet as it prepares to take on Qatar, the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions, in the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers. The match, scheduled for June 16, 2023, in Doha, Qatar, will be India's last chance to advance to the next stage of the competition.
India is currently ranked 104th in the FIFA World Rankings, while Qatar sits at 34th. The two teams have met twice before, with Qatar winning 2-0 in 2011 and 1-0 in 2015.
Igor Stimac's Team
Head coach Igor Stimac has selected a 23-man squad for the match, led by captain Sunil Chhetri. Chhetri, who is India's all-time leading scorer, is expected to play a key role in the team's attack.
Other key players include defender Sandesh Jhingan, midfielder Anirudh Thapa, and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Stimac has emphasized the importance of playing as a team and fighting together against a formidable opponent.
Qatar: A Formidable Opponent
Qatar is the clear favorite in this match, having won the 2023 AFC Asian Cup and reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The team boasts a number of talented players, including forward Almoez Ali and midfielder Akram Afif.
Qatar's coach, Felix Sanchez Bas, is a former Spain youth coach and has been credited with transforming the team's style of play. Qatar is known for its possession-based game and its ability to create chances from the flanks.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the importance of this match for India?
This is India's last chance to advance to the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. A win against Qatar could keep India's hopes of reaching the World Cup alive.
2. Who are India's key players?
Captain Sunil Chhetri, defender Sandesh Jhingan, midfielder Anirudh Thapa, and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu are considered India's most important players.
3. How has Qatar performed in recent matches?
Qatar won the 2023 AFC Asian Cup and reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The team is in excellent form and is considered one of the favorites to win this match.
4. What is the expected formation of India?
India is expected to play a 4-4-2 formation, with Chhetri and Thapa leading the attack and Jhingan and Sandhu anchoring the defense.
5. Where can I watch the match?
The match will be broadcast live on various sports channels, including Star Sports and JioTV.
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