Qatar vs India: Can the Blue Tigers get a Positive Result in Doha?

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The Indian football team are in a tough spot as they are set to face Qatar in their last match of the World Cup qualifiers second round. Considering the circumstances, they need a win to ensure progression in the third round.

Another scenario dictates that the Blue Tigers could draw, but in that case, they will have to hope that the Kuwait vs Afghanistan match ends with a draw as well. However, seeing that they will face the Asian powerhouse Qatar, chances of either a win or a draw is very low.

The only hope they have at this moment is if Qatar field their second team another time against India. Qatar, who has already qualified for the 2022 World Cup as hosts, fielded their second team against Afghanistan. As a result, Afghanistan managed to get away with a draw against the mighty Qatar in their last match.

For India, this draw has opened up a rare opportunity. If Qatar field their second team another time against India, then the Blue Tigers will have a chance to get away with a win. It will be all over for them in the World Cup qualifiers if they failed to capitalize on this chance.

The Indian team has been struggling in the qualifiers, and a win against Qatar's reserves could be the turning point they need. The match between India and Qatar is scheduled for next week, and it will be interesting to see how India takes advantage of this opportunity.

Even if they face Qatar’s second team, with captain Sunil Chhetri gone, India head coach Igor Stimac will have a hard time to field his strongest XI. In this transitional phase, this much resting on their shoulders for a match could either unexpectedly see the team rise up to the occasion or crumble under the pressure.