The Indian men's senior football team commenced the second round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers on a positive note. While securing a victory in one of their two matches, this win instilled hope for India's advancement to the subsequent round, a historic feat if accomplished. Their path to progression relies on finishing among the top two in a group comprising Qatar, Kuwait, and Afghanistan.
India initiated their campaign with a 1-0 triumph over Kuwait on home soil, marking their first World Cup qualifier victory in 22 years. The team then faced reigning Asian champions Qatar in Bhubaneswar, suffering a 3-0 defeat. The defeat against Qatar placed India third in the four-team table. Despite this setback, India remain confident about going through to the next round.
The upcoming matches against Afghanistan in March will be pivotal. Scheduled for March 21 and 26, these contests will be crucial in shaping India's standing. Considering the team's present form, India appear poised to enter these fixtures as favourites. Should India clinch victories in both matches, it could potentially elevate them to the second spot in the group. Kuwait, whom India have defeated twice and drawn with this year, will face off against Qatar simultaneously.
Something India would pride on would be Manvir Singh's crucial goal against Kuwait that showcased his energy and versatility, breaking the deadlock in the final minutes with a skilled finish. However, he missed the subsequent game due to a muscle strain. Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia) displayed midfield brilliance, demonstrating excellent ball control, distribution, and surprising opponents with precise passes, notably one that set up Lallianzuala Chhangte.
Despite these positives, India's finishing remains a concern, with minimal challenge posed to the opposition goalkeepers aside from Manvir's goal. Additionally, Coach Igor Stimac expressed dissatisfaction with Udanta Singh's performance, emphasising the need for improvement. He suggested Udanta prove himself at the club level to regain a spot in the national team.
What lies ahead for the Blue Tigers:
- The team now gear up for the AFC Asian Cup in January, hosted in Qatar. With a mere 12-day national camp ahead of the continental event, Stimac acknowledges the limited preparation time and urges modest expectations.
- Placed in Group B alongside Australia, Uzbekistan, and Syria, India face a challenging path. The campaign kicks off against Australia on January 13, followed by clashes with Uzbekistan on January 18 and Syria on January 23.