Qatar are imposing and are the favourites to finish in the top of the pile.
Qatar have been placed in a group consisting of India, Oman, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers and World Cup Qualifiers. The Middle East state are the hosts and are guaranteed a place in the 2022 World Cup, but they have to overcome this group to take part in the Asian Cup.
The Maroons are 96th in the FIFA World rankings, whilst they stand 11th when the AFC sides are taken into consideration. Even though the ranking might not sound like it should, their impressive ranking stumbled because of the Copa America. They drew against Paraguay, but they were beaten by Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina in the process.
They are a superior force within the Asian continent and could cause trouble to some of the world’s best sides.
We shall look at their recent records and predicted lineup as they prepare to take on India in the upcoming game.
PREVIOUS RECORD
They recently blew away Afghanistan in the opening game of the group stages. The scoreline read 6-0, while India dropped points against Oman by conceding two late goals to hand over three points. Bangladesh are yet to play a game.
India and Qatar have faced only once before. It was in an international friendly and the Blue Tigers won the game 2-1 in 2011.
Form: WLLDL
Since Qatar took part in the Copa America, their form record looks poor. They lost to Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, while drew with Paraguay. They are a superior force in Asia and their dominance in Asia is explained with the results.
The hosts of the 2022 World Cup are likely to stay at top of this group and proceed to the next round. Oman and India will be battle out for the second place, while odds are against Bangladesh and Afghanistan to qualify.
Qatar are the utmost favourites in this game, although India can unsettle them with their front line.
PREDICTED LINEUP:
Qatar: Saad Al Sheeb, Ro-Ro, Bassam Al-Rawi, Boualem Khoukhi, Salem Al Hajri, Tarek Salman, Karim Boudiaf, Hassan Al-Haydos, Ahmed Alaaeldin, Almoez Ali, Akram Afif.
