The India Football Team will take on Qatar for their second match in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. But ahead of the much anticipated match Qatar Football Team head coach Carlos Queiroz has heaped praises for the Blue Tigers. The Portuguese gaffer has acknowledged India’s progress over the last couple of years but has issued a stern warning about his team where he has claimed that his side needs to be much better than their previous game.
Carlos Queiroz knows very well in the previous encounter between the two nations, it was India who etched out a goalless draw. Taking a cue from the previous game, he wants his team to believe in their chances and go for the 3 points.
“Good to come to India, very excited for the moment. Special to play a World Cup Qualifier against India. We know that the Indian team is a completely different team, strong and consistent. We believe in our chances to collect 3 points,” said Carlos Queiroz at the pre-match press conference at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar.
The Qatari side has showcased their brilliance in the previous game where they routed Afghanistan in the first match of the World Cup qualifiers with an astounding margin of 8-1. But Carlos Queiroz is of the opinion that his side is capable of doing much better.
“Our goals remain the same because we know we will face a good team. We need to have mobility and be aggressive in the game all 90 minutes to finish the game. Our rebuild has been good. We have taken time to be focused. We played well against Afghanistan but that now has given more responsibility. We have to do much better now,” said Queiroz.
Taking about the Blue Tigers, the Qatar coach has opined that the India Football Team has improved a lot and has been very consistent off late. “The Indian team is consistent, the players know their jobs and do it well. My first target will be to play the best football, the best quality football and be the best team on the field. You can’t win if you don’t play well. The previous game was a victory but it is still not good enough. We have a young team with quality players who can bring a result.”
Qatar captain and star striker Hassan Al-Haydos is also excited for the match. He has previously played against India and will have crucial experience about how to face the Blue Tigers.
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“We are looking forward to the game. We have played India before, and it was a tough game. The India team has improved and both teams will be looking for 3 points. We are ready to play and have the desire to take 3 points,” said Hassan Al-Haydos at the Pre match press conference.
When questioned if he any particular concern against the India team, the Qatari skipper was confident of playing for a win but have also stated that he is cautious of the improvement that India has showcased over the last couple of years.
“Yes, I have played against India before. But tomorrow will be difficult from the previous games. All the teams are challenges for us. But we need to challenge ourselves to be better on each game. We have to be better than the previous game and do our best to take three points. I don’t want to name any players from the Indian team who can be a big challenge. The entire team is good and we have to play well, and show great mentality to win the match,” he concluded.
