Qatar players in action during a training session at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, yesterday. Pictures: Mohamed Farag / The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: Qatar are ready to take on India in their last Group A game looking to wrap up their outstanding campaign in the second round of Asian Cup 2027 and FIFA World Cup 2026 joint qualifiers with a victory.
The two-time Asian champions have already advanced to the third round of World Cup qualifiers and are assured of a top place in the group but coach Marquez Lopez wants a winning performance from his young side in front of home fans at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium today.
Lopez, who led Al Annabi to successful Asian Cup title defence earlier this year, though is aware India – desperate for a win – will be a tough nut to crack.
Qatar coach Marquez Lopez
With Qatar leading the group after amassing 13 points from four wins and a draw, India, who are second with five points on a superior goal difference than Afghanistan, are eyeing three points to advance to the third round of World Cup qualifiers and secure berth in the next Asian Cup by finishing second in the group. Kuwait with four points are also in the running for runners-up spot as they host Afghanistan in the other group match today.
Qatar had defeated India 3-0 in November’s away game but Lopez was expecting a tough challenge from Igor Stimac’s men despite the absence of legendary Sunil Chhetri, who played his last international match on Thursday.
“We know it’s a crucial match for India but it is important for us also,” the Qatar coach told a press conference yesterday.
“We must put our best efforts for a win in front of our fans and finish the second round on a high note. It’s a game which will not be easy for the either side but we are looking forward to securing three points.”
India players during a training session in Doha on the eve of the match.
Qatar are returning to action following a frustrating 0-0 draw against Afghanistan on Thursday as Lopez fielded a young side handing debut to six players.
The Spaniard expressed his satisfaction on team’s performance in the game hoping for a better show from his young guns today.
“I have confidence in the abilities of the current squad. There is no first or second string of players, everyone here plays for the first team,” said Lopez, who rested senior players including Akram Afif and Almoez Ali.
Meanwhile, Qatar defender Homam Al Amin said: “We have a fine group of players, and our goal is always to appear in the best form. The match is difficult because of the limited preparation time, but our goal is to win and strengthen our lead.”
Speaking to reporters earlier, India coach Stimac said Chhetri’s absence will not affect team’s performance telling his players to give their best to earn a win.
India coach Igor Stimac
“We are not thinking about it (Chhetri’s absence). We’ve played several games over the last five years without him, and we have shown that we can play in a composed manner. Of course Sunil has some great qualities – his personality, leadership skills, football quality, but I am not going to go back to it. This is about the team, not about any individual,” he said.
“I’ve told them that the only thing they need to do is enjoy the game, be proud of their country, and take the opportunities that will make the 1.4 billion people back home happy,” he said. “It’s all about the 90 minutes for us tomorrow, and we are prepared to die on the pitch, if required.”
India midfielder Brandon Fernandes said: “We know how important this game is for us, so every player will fight for the nation. We are here to represent the country, and we will go out there as a team and give it our best shot.”
The match is set to kick off at 6:45pm.
