India Vs Qatar: Post-Chhetri Era Begins With Crunch FIFA World Cup Qualifier Against Asia's Best

In the sweltering heat of Doha, the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium is set to host a crucial FIFA World Cup Qualifying third-round fixture between India and Kuwait on June 11, 2024. This match is not just another fixture on the calendar; it is a do-or-die clash that could determine the fate of India’s World Cup aspirations. With the absence of their legendary player Sunil Chhetri, the Indian team faces an uphill battle to secure a positive result against Kuwait, ensuring their progression to the next stage of the qualifiers.

The Big Picture: Life Without Sunil Chhetri

Preparing for a high-stakes match without your greatest ever player is a daunting task for any team, and India is no exception. Sunil Chhetri, India’s iconic captain and top scorer, will not be taking the field in Doha. This absence puts significant pressure on the rest of the squad to step up and fill the void left by Chhetri’s experience and goal-scoring prowess. India finds themselves in a precarious position, second in the group with five points, level with Afghanistan and Kuwait. The math is complicated, but the objective is clear: India must secure a positive result against the champions of Asia to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

Qatar’s Young Squad: An Opportunity for India

What could work in India’s favor is Qatar’s decision to rest their star players, Akram Afif and Almoez Ali. Qatar’s coach, Tintin Marquez, confident in his team’s top-spot finish, has called up a young squad for this set of qualifiers. This youthful team, though impressive in their draw against Afghanistan, might lack the experience needed in high-pressure situations. For India, this presents a golden opportunity to capitalize on any inexperience in the Qatari ranks. A win against this young Qatari side would almost guarantee India’s progression to the next round, barring a massive win by Afghanistan over Kuwait.

Key Players to Watch: Ahmed Al-Rawi and Lallianzuala Chhangte

Qatar: Ahmed Al-Rawi

Leading the line for Qatar in the absence of Almoez Ali is the 20-year-old Ahmed Al-Rawi. Al-Rawi, who plays for Al Rayyan, has shown great promise with his quick dribbling and clever off-the-ball movement. He has already made an impact for Qatar, scoring in his debut against Kuwait. His performance against India’s center-back pairing of Rahul Bheke and Anwar Ali will be crucial. Another player to watch is Tahsin Jamshid, a 17-year-old winger of Indian origin who has risen through the Aspire Academy and various age group levels.

India: Lallianzuala Chhangte

For India, Lallianzuala Chhangte is the man to watch. Coming off a sensational ISL season, where he was named ESPN India’s player of the season for the second consecutive year, Chhangte is India’s most potent attacking threat. With Chhetri out, Chhangte’s ability to produce moments of explosive skill and pace will be vital. He is India’s highest active goalscorer, alongside Manvir Singh, and much will depend on his ability to step up and lead the attack.

Concerns and Solutions: Where are the Goals for India?

One of the major concerns for India is their reliance on Sunil Chhetri for goals. Over the past five years, Chhetri has scored nearly half of India’s goals, and his absence leaves a significant void. India’s players have shown an increase in scoring in the ISL, but this has not translated to the national team. Chhangte is the best bet to find the back of the net, but it is crucial that he is played in a role where he can maximize his time in the attacking third. Moreover, with the focal point of Chhetri gone, India has the opportunity to adopt a more flexible system where multiple players can create and finish chances.

Predicted Lineups and Tactics

Qatar XI (3-4-2-1)

Goalkeeper: Saad Al Sheeb
Defenders: Abdalla Yousif, Mohammad Aiash, Yousef Marel
Midfielders: Tahsin Jamshed, Naif Al Hadrami, Mostafa Meshaal, Homam Elamin
Forwards: Abdullah Al Yazidi, Yusuf Abdurisag, Ahmed Al-Rawi

India XI (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Defenders: Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Anwar Ali, Jay Gupta
Midfielders: Jeakson Singh, Suresh Singh
Attacking Midfielders: Lallianzuala Chhangte, Sahal Abdul Samad, Liston Colaco
Forward: Manvir Singh

India will likely adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to solidify the midfield while allowing their attacking players to exploit any gaps in Qatar’s defense. The key will be in maintaining a solid defensive shape while being quick and decisive in transition.

The Stakes: A Must-Win Scenario

This match is a must-win for India if they are to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Even a draw might suffice, depending on the outcome of the Afghanistan vs Kuwait match. However, to rely on external results is a risky proposition. Coach Igor Stimac has already stated that he would resign if India fails to progress, adding another layer of pressure on the team. The players must show character and resilience, demonstrating that they can perform under pressure even without their talismanic captain.

A Defining Moment for Indian Football

The clash against Kuwait in Doha is more than just a game; it is a defining moment for Indian football. With their World Cup aspirations on the line, the Indian team must rise to the occasion and deliver a performance that could secure their place in the next round of qualifiers. The absence of Sunil Chhetri is a significant blow, but it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and make their mark. As the Indian team takes the field, they carry the hopes of a nation eager to see them succeed on the global stage.

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