Here is the build-up and head to head statistics as India prepares to take on Qatar.
India travel to Qatar to take on the Middle East nation in Doha on Tuesday. The Blue Tigers are currently placed fourth in the group stage table, while their opponents are leading their way after one game.
Igor Stimac’s side had the lead in the first half against Oman through Sunil Chhetri, but it was cancelled out by Al Mandhar in the last ten minutes of the game. It was a tough pill to swallow, but they should be working towards the second-place, which could take them to the next round of the World Cup Qualification.
On the other hand, Qatar are inevitably the favourites to head the group. They made a scintillating start with a 6-0 victory against Afghanistan last week. They showed no mercy, scoring three goals within opening 13 minutes to take the game away from their opponents.
Sunil Chhetri and Akram Afif are doubts for their respective countries. This will come as a huge blow to India and Qatar.
We shall look at the head-to-head statistics between these two sides.
INDIA VS QATAR HEAD TO HEAD:
Played: 1
India: 0
Qatar: 1
Draw: 0
India and Qatar have played once in the World Cup Qualifier in 1996 before. The Maroons were the comprehensive winners, as they won the game 6-0. The Blue Tigers played a behind door friendly in 2012 and won the game 2-1. Since it does not count as a competitive fixture, the record remains intact for Qatar.
The last meeting these two sides at any level was back in 2017 when India’s U23 side went to Qatar AFC U23 Champions League Qualifiers where Qatar prevailed 1-0 after an error from the Indian custodian Vishal Kaith.
Over the last few years, Qatar have worked towards the development of football in a drastic way. On the other hand, India have taken baby steps and continue to hope to become an Asian heavyweight one day.
