2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers | India vs Qatar - match preview, key players, when and where to watch

The Indian team have their priorities sorted. Concede fewer goals in the remaining matches, log as many points as possible, preferably double wins over Bangladesh and Afghanistan and create the best possible scenario to qualify for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. While the burden of progressing to the next round in the World Cup Qualifiers is off their shoulders for good, there’s still a lot at stake. Technically, the match against Qatar would not suffice to any of India’s current targets apart from keeping a check on the goal difference, with a win out of reach and a repeat of the historic draw far too unrealistic.

The fact that India played its last international match with full strength nearly one-and-half years ago and it would eat up vital playing time to get the rhythm going once again. Dual encounters in March earlier this year against Oman and UAE cannot possibly forecast the trend of the upcoming matches. Igor Stimac fielded a relatively young side back then, as part of his experimental policy which was dealt with heavy criticism. With the core players back and no injury concerns as such, the quality of football is likely to be restored.

Key Player

Not the shrewd striker every team would crave for, but Manvir Singh has created a niche of his own with his poaching skills and physical presence. Thriving in the midst of a forward line that is already clogged with players like David Williams and Roy Krishna is no ordinary feat. The Punjab-based forward has matured immensely after his move to ATK-Mohun Bagan, having scored 6 goals and assisted 3 times in the previous season. 

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Dheeraj Singh.

Forwards: Manvir Singh, Sunil Chhetri, Ishan Pandita.

The Gulf nation has already qualified for the 2022 World Cup by virtue of being hosts, while Qatar’s 2023 AFC Asian Cup berth is almost secured. The only motivation for them going forward is a top place finish in the group stage, coupled with some valuable game time ahead of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, where they are playing as an invitee.  As far as their recent records are concerned, Felix Sanchez Bas' side are been unbeaten in the last four international matches, which includes wins over Luxembourg and Azerbaijan.

Almoez Ali

Ali was the top scorer (9 goals) and the best player in Qatar’s 2019 AFC Asian Cup triumph, including goals in the semi-final and the final. India should not forget that Almoez created numerous openings for Qatar in their H2H match. Even though the visitors were lucky on the evening, there’s certainly no guarantee of a repeat if the Indian’s fail to mark him properly.

Defenders: Musab Khoder, Pedro Miguel, Tarek Salman, Bassam Al-Rawi, Ahmed Suhail, Boualem Khoukhi, Homam Ahmed, Sultan Al-Brake, Abdelkarim Hassan,

Venue: Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium