Introduction:

In anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup second-round qualifiers on November 21, the Indian football team is gearing up to face formidable opponents, Qatar. Drawing inspiration from their historic goal-less draw against the Asian champions in 2019, coupled with a recent confidence-boosting 1-0 away win against Kuwait on November 16, India, led by head coach Igor Stimac, is poised to deliver a formidable performance.

The Journey to Victory:

Igor Stimac’s strategic coaching approaches are yielding results for the Indian team, evident in their recent triumph over Kuwait. This marked their first FIFA World Cup qualifier match win on foreign soil in 22 years. A significant contributor to this success was the seamless transition of Rahul Bheke, captain of Mumbai City FC, who stepped into the center-back role following Anwar Ali’s injury.

Defensive Brilliance:

Rahul Bheke’s defensive prowess played a pivotal role in securing a clean sheet and the historic victory against Kuwait. Guided by Stimac’s expertise, drawn from his own experience as a defender in the 1998 FIFA World Cup Croatian team, Bheke and the Indian defense showcased remarkable positioning and decision-making.

Impact of Stimac:

Since joining the national team in 2019, Igor Stimac has been instrumental in steering India toward success. Despite facing challenges during the pandemic, Stimac’s influence was evident as the team clinched three trophies in 2023—the Tri-Nations Series, Intercontinental Cup, and the SAFF Championship. Rahul Bheke recognizes the positive impact of Stimac’s coaching, stating, “The team has reached a position where players know how to approach the game (under Stimac) and perform well, keeping the ball in our control.”

AFC Asian Cup Focus:

While acknowledging the significance of FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Bheke emphasizes that the team’s primary focus is on the AFC Asian Cup. Considering tournaments like the King’s Cup, the Merdeka Cup, and the FIFA World Cup qualifiers as essential preparations, Bheke underscores the importance of facing strong opponents to enhance the team’s readiness for the upcoming tournament in Qatar.

Conclusion:

As India faces Qatar in the upcoming clash, the team carries not only the aspirations of securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup but also the confidence derived from recent victories and Stimac’s transformative coaching. This journey, marked by strategic brilliance and defensive excellence, reflects India’s unwavering commitment to making significant strides on the international football stage.