India vs Qatar: Rejuvenated Blue Tigers aim consistency against Asian Champions

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India's World Cup 2026 qualifiers campaign will take a litmus test as they lock horns against the Asian Champions Qatar on Tuesday (November 21) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

It has started perfectly for India as they defeated Kuwait in their own backyard. A rejuvenated Indian side showcased their class after the recent defeats and meant business in Kuwait, the strongest opponent for them in these qualifiers so far.

Qatar, on the other hand, showcased their domination with an 8-1 destruction of Afghanistan. But ahead of this match, the mood in the Indian camp is quite buoyant.

Head coach Igor Stimac was quite pragmatic about their expectations against Qatar, but stressed the fact that the Indian team have nothing to lose and is committed to give their all on the pitch.

"It's a game, where there is nothing to lose for us but a lot to win for. So let's go for it all out," said Stimac at the pre-match press conference. "We cannot control the external factors. We can only control our performances at the individual level and as a team. The only thing for us to do is to give our best for 90 minutes when the first whistle sounds."

It will be a major task for the Indian defenders to keep out the star-studded Qatari attackers. But this team has shown their capability and will be looking forward to making it happen again.

In the World Cup qualifiers four years ago, a depleted Indian side went to Qatar and got a draw. Igor Stimac remembers they were the only team in Asia to steal a point from the Asian Champions, and there is no reason they can't replicate that again on Tuesday.

Also, the Croatian manager also admitted the team has improved a lot, but they will have to be more consistent to topple a team like Qatar. But a huge boost for India will be the victory over Kuwait.

The Blue Tigers managed to grind out a victory in an away match, which is something that hasn't happened to them in a long time. Although Stimac insisted they have forgotten about the Kuwait match, the positives from the match will be a boost going forward for them.

There is a change in Indian football under the tutelage of Igor Stimac, which is been beneficial for the football landscape in our country. Along with the sturdy leadership of Sunil Chhetri and some excellent players who are coming up through the ranks of ISL, Indian football is hoping to make a lot of positive ground in the coming years. And what better way to commence that than with a stellar show against Qatar?

Although there is a sizeable gulf in ranking between India and Qatar, Sunil Chhetri and his boys must dare to dream. And with the home support behind them, the hopes will be high for this team to get at least a point against Qatar.