India will have a daunting task ahead of them when they face Afghanistan in their fourth match of 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Blue Tigers will hope for a win – and be alive for playing on football’s grandest stage – to revive their otherwise derailed campaign. India are without a win in the Qualifying campaign so far and face an unpredictable foe in Afghanistan. India are in a spot of bother as they have lost one and drawn two in their three games so far and are struggling at fourth position in a five-team group. This match will be a do-or-die situation for the Indians as anything other than a victory might end their hopes of qualification for the next round. Afghanistan have just one match in the qualifiers, which came against Bangladesh in September. IND vs AFG, 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Preview: Blue Tigers Eye Win Over Afghanistan.

India began their Qatar 2022 journey on a disappointing note as they lost to Oman in the opening game at home, which they dominated for most parts of the match but lost after conceding two late goals. They then held AFC Asian Cup 2019 champions Qatar to a 0-0 draw in a memorable performance. But after this result, India suffered another setback as they failed to beat minnows Bangladesh and were held to a 1-1 draw at home. A victory is must for India in this match as anything less than three points could see the Blue tigers slide to the bottom of the table if other results go against them and it will make qualification to the next round next to impossible. Captain Sunil Chhetri will look to inspire his side to a much-needed victory in this clash between the struggling Asian teams.

This will be India’s second match on the road and the last away trip was a famous one as a Sunil Chhetri-less India managed to hold Qatar to a goalless draw in an inspired performance. Coach Igor Stimac will be hopeful that his team can replicate that performance and get a crucial win to keep their hopes of playing in a world cup alive.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 14, 2019 10:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).