India all set to take on Oman at WC Qualifier

Team India starts its World Cup Qualifier campaign for 2022 Qatar World Cup today against Oman. This qualifier round may turn up to be first real challenge for newly appointed Croatian Coach Igor Stimac who hasn’t had best start for Indian NT. Stimac has coached India for 5 matches now and his team has conceded 13 goals in these matches, a worrying stat for a team facing 87th ranked Oman.

India all set to take on Oman at WC Qualifier 1

Stimac would have to line up without Amarjit Singh Kiyam who has been ruled out due to an injury. Kiyam was one of the most important players in Stimac’s system having played most minutes under him despite being just 18 year old.

India is placed in Group E along with Qatar (hosts for World Cup 2022), Oman, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.  India will look to finish in top 2 to qualify for 3rd round of AFC World Cup Qualifiers. The opening match against Oman holds a high significance in order to qualify for 3rd round. The first match of WC Qualifier will be an important game for India.

Team Oman

Oman played in Round of 16 in AFC Asian Cup and lost to Iran 2-0 where India were knocked out in Group Stage even after giving some of most solid performances in recent times. India previously played Oman during 2018 World Cup qualification and lost both the matches. Oman too has appointed now coach Erwin Koeman after AFC Asian Cup. Erwin Koeman has previously managed Feyenoord, Hungary National Team, FC Eindhoven. He has managed Oman for 2 matches winning 1 and drawing other.

Stimac is expected to field 4-2-3-1 with Gurpreet Singh Sandhu between the sticks, Sandesh Jhingan and Adil Khan ahead of him. Subhasish Bose is expected to play on left side and Rahul Bheke on the right side. Anirudh Thapa and Raynier are expected to play as Defensive Midfielders and Sahal as Attacking Midfielder. Chhangte would take up left flank and Udanta on right flank with Sunil Chhetri as lone man up front. India is all set for the WC qualifier.

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