New Delhi, 17 November 2023: The Indian national football team is gearing up for two crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Kuwait next month. The two matches will be played on 14 November at the Al Kuwait Sports Club Stadium in Kuwait City and 19 November at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Bhubaneswar, India.
India is currently in third place in Group D of the qualifiers, with three points from three matches. Kuwait is in second place with six points from four matches. The top two teams from each group will advance to the third round of qualifiers, which will be played in a round-robin format.
The upcoming matches against Kuwait are therefore crucial for India’s hopes of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1950.
India’s recent form
India has been in good form in recent months, winning four of their last five matches. The team has also been scoring goals freely, with 16 goals in their last five games.
Head coach Igor Stimac is confident that his team can defeat Kuwait and take a step closer to World Cup qualification.
Kuwait’s recent form
Kuwait has also been in good form in recent months, winning two of their last three matches. The team has also been scoring goals freely, with 12 goals in their last three games.
However, Kuwait has never beaten India in a competitive match. India has won six of their eight meetings and drawn two.
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Match preview
The first leg of the tie is expected to be a close match, with both teams evenly matched. India will be looking to take advantage of their home advantage in the second leg.
The winner of the tie will take a major step towards World Cup qualification.
Other upcoming qualifiers
In addition to the India vs Kuwait qualifiers, there are a number of other important qualifiers taking place this week.
On 16 November, Argentina will play Brazil in a mouthwatering clash at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario in San Juan, Argentina. The two teams are currently in first and second place in the South American qualifying group, respectively.
On 17 November, Portugal will play Liechtenstein at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal. Portugal is currently in second place in the European qualifying Group A, while Liechtenstein is in last place.
On 18 November, Uruguay will play Argentina at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay. The two teams are currently in first and second place in the South American qualifying group, respectively.
Conclusion
All eyes will be on India next month as they take on Kuwait in their quest for FIFA World Cup qualification. The team has been in good form and is confident of its chances of success.