Preview: What is the most suitable approach for India against Qatar?

When the two teams met over a year ago, the Blue Tigers held the reigning Asian champions to a draw.

After playing two international friendlies against Oman and UAE in March, the Indian football team are back in action as they gear up for the remainder of their FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers campaign. India have three games remaining in the event - against Qatar, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

Led by head coach Igor Stimac, the team are currently placed fourth in Group E of the Second round of the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers. They played five matches so far, but are yet to notch up their first win in the competition.

That said, it is highly unlikely that the Blue Tigers will advance to the next round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers. However, as these games also serve as the Qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup 2023, it is highly important that they finish third in the group so that they can qualify for the next round of qualification for the continental tournament without any hiccups.

As mentioned already, India resumes their campaign against Qatar on June 3. Khel Now previews the Blue Tigers' upcoming game against the Asian champions.

About The Teams

India

Everyone knows that the Blue Tigers are not at their best, which is rather disappointing to hear just one day prior to the restart of the qualifiers. However, borrowing Stimac's words from last week's press meet, 'it is what it is.' The head coach himself admitted that the team are under-prepared.

Their recent form is also worrying. After not playing international football in over a year, India returned to the pitch in March. They drew 1-1 against Oman and showed signs of promise, before falling apart at the hands of UAE who took home a 6-0 win.

While the defeat could lower their confidence, it is worth noting that back then the side contained largely of new faces. Further, they were friendly matches and Stimac used them to experiment with his options. It is safe to assume that he will not try the same thing in the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers - as already evident from how he recalled many of his usual, experienced choices after they missed the cut in March.

Additionally, the Blue Tigers have another target in hand. While they may have already lost the opportunity to advance to the next round of the FIFA WCQ, they need to secure a third place finish to secure a direct path, without playing the playoffs, to advance to the next round of the Asian Cup Qualifiers.

https://youtu.be/ML2pRCghzew

India are currently at the fourth spot, with three points from five matches. A draw against Qatar, followed by wins against Bangladesh and Afghanistan in the forthcoming matches should help India get there. The Croatian head coach is probably aware of it too, because as things stand, his job with the national team might also be on the line.

Qatar

A lot has happened with the Qatari national team since they were last held to a surprising draw by India in September 2019. The Crimsons, for one, have only gotten better. They are now ranked 58th in the FIFA World Rankings and fifth among the Asian nations.

Felix Sanchez’s side haven’t lost their ruthlessness in the COVID-19 enforced break, as evident from their current form. So far in 2021, they have only played three games, all of which were international friendlies in March. They managed narrow wins over Luxembourg and Azerbaijan in both friendlies held in Hungary. A hard-fought 1-1 draw against the Republic of Ireland came next - the most impressive result among these matches.

The Irish side contained many stars from the Premier League and a draw against such a top team would understandably give them a lot of confidence. Hence, when Qatar face India, a dish of cold revenge will be on their minds.

The Blue Tigers are the only team that are yet to be beaten by them in the ongoing FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Tactics

India

India head coach Stimac seems to prefer possession and passing-based football. He generally lines his team up in a 4-2-3-1 formation – but with the emergence of players like Bipin Singh and Manvir Singh, it will not be surprising if he wants more forwards in his lineup.

Qatar are a very strong side and their attacking prowess is well known. Therefore, a safe way to approach the game would be to improve the Blue Tigers' defensive organization and to attack on the counter with fast wingers across both flanks. We hence suggest a 4-3-3 formation, usage of defensive-minded full-backs and a three-man attack that consist of Bipin and Manvir with skipper Sunil Chhetri.

However, India might also opt for an alternative Xi with a 4-3-3 formation against Qatar if Igor Stimac wants to put out his strongest XI against Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

Qatar

In stark contrast to Igor Stimac's record with the Indian football team, Qatar boss Felix Sanchez has won 29 matches so far and maintained a 53.7% winning rate. He helped them win the AFC Asian Cup in dominant fashion in 2019 and has kept improving them since.

Sanchez’s side can now tussle with European or South American sides. His ability to spot the biggest talents and clever man-management have helped Qatar soar. In terms of playing strategy, he generally prefers a defensive formation with at least four players in the backline. His most-used formations are 4-4-2 and 5-3-2, and either of them will be tough to crack for the Blue Tigers.

With players like Almoez Ali and Mohammed Muntari lining up in attack, he clearly has very little to worry about the team's goal-scoring aspect.

Probable Lineups

India: Sandhu (GK); Kotal, Chinglensana, Jhingan, Akash; Thapa, Glan, Brandon; Bipin, Chhetri, Manvir.

Qatar: Al Sheeb (GK); Ró-Ró, Al-Rawi, Khoukhi, Salman, Hassan; Al Haydos, Boudiaf, Hatem; Afif, Ali.

Related: Pre Match Press conference- Igor Stimac says the aim is to create a team for the next World Cup qualifiers

Players To Watch

Brandon Fernandes (India)

Among the Indian players, all eyes will be on Brandon Fernandes as he returns to action for India. An injury lay-off during ISL 2020-21 meant that the Goan could not recover in time for March's international friendlies. Everyone saw how the Blue Tigers missed out on his creativity in the midfield.

And as if there were any doubts on that, he showed up in style for FC Goa in the AFC Champions League 2021 in April. It was Fernandes who set up both of the Gaurs' goals in the group stage. Often, the 24-year-old made himself look like an extra foreign player for his club and Stimac will be hoping that he delivers similar results in India's upcoming matches.

Fernandes’ technical quality is undisputed and he’s also found that added spring in his step to work harder in games. He’s now covering more ground, making more tackles and timing his passes better. The midfielder must be spot on with his set-piece delivery and defence-splitting through balls to create chances for his forwards.

Hassan Al-Haydos (Qatar)

Qatar’s captain earns his reputation for leading from the front in attack. A hard-working midfielder with lots of technical quality, Hasan Al-Haydos is Qatar’s creative engine. He enjoyed a great season with Al-Sadd – scoring twice along with registering nine assists in 18 league games.

With his incredible passing ability and tendency to create chances out of nothing thanks to his defence-splitting through-balls, he can be a handful to play against. Al-Haydos poses a major threat from set-pieces and can sneak into goalscoring areas. If India are able to neutralize Al-Haydos from supplying chances in attack, they could have a chance of pulling off a result against Qatar.

What To Expect

Given the under preparedness of India, hosts' advantage for Qatar (this should have been India's home game but COVID-19 regulations forced AFC to conduct all matches at Qatar) and the current form of the Crimsons, the Blue Tigers surely cannot expect a win. When they drew against the same opponents last time around, it was described as miraculous.

Regardless, we feel that somehow Igor Stimac and co could pull off another miracle, if they play their cards right.

Telecast

The match between India and Qatar will be held at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha. Kick-off will be at 10:30 pm IST on June 3.

Fans in India can watch the game live on Star Sports 2/2 HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi/1 HD Hindi, Star Sports 3, Star Sports 1 Tamil, 1 Telugu, 1 Kannada and 1 Bangla. It was also be available on their streaming service Hotstar and Jio TV.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and join our community on Telegram.