Preview : World Cup qualifiers for India - By Vighnesh Menon
Our Men in blue are going to be back in action in the world Cup cum Asian Cup qualifiers with 3 games played against Oman, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. For India though the world Cup is almost out of reach but we can still make it to the Asian Cup. India are currently placed 4th in their group with 3 points. Till now India's run haven't been that good. We still haven't won a game in the qualifiers drawing 3 games and losing 2. The draw against Qatar was indeed an historic one but two games which we could have won against Afghanistan and Bangladesh, that too ended in draws. With 3 more games remaining our first match is the toughest one against Qatar who also recently drew against Ireland and the next two are against Afghanistan and Bangladesh respectively.
As far as qualifications are concerned even if we can get 2 wins out of the 3 games we can finish 3rd and that could guarantee us an Asian Cup qualification. But if we finish below 3rd position don't worry our Asian cup hopes are not over. India will then go into a playoff round and will have to win it to qualify for the Tournament. This 3 games would be the most important ones for Coach Igor stimac too. India has managed to win only 1 game out of 12 played under Igor Stimac. There are high chances that this could be the end of Igor stimac's stint with India if he is doesn't give favourable results in the next 3 games. As far as the squad is concerned there are some very familiar named who are back in the squad which includes our Captain Sunil Chetri, Sahal Abdul samad, Udanta Singh. Also Brandon Fernandes and Glan Martins who gave terrific performances for FC Goa in the Champions league make it to the Indian team. Unfortunately Seriton Fernandes who was also phenomenal in the Champions league couldn't make it to the squad as he tested positive for Covid. It will be interesting to see how the team will fair in these matches. Given the squad which we have, India should manage to get 6 points out of the 3 games. So let's support our Indian team in these qualifiers. Come on India !!!
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