Pakistan prepares for do-or-die second-leg battle of 2022 FIFA World Cup & 2023 Asian Cup joint qualifiers first round against Cambodia
Pakistan National Football Team is training for the do-or-die second-leg battle of 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup joint qualifiers first round against Cambodia, which is scheduled for tomorrow in Doha, Qatar.
After losing the first leg match by 0-2 in Cambodia, Pakistan National Football Team is hoping to secure a 3-0 win in the second leg which seems to be a huge target. Team officials believe that natural grass pitch, hot dry weather in Doha will help Pakistan overcome Cambodia in WCQs despite requiring a win by three clear goals.
FIFA-recognised PFF faction blames SC-recognised PFF faction for stopping senior domestic players from joining Pakistan squad for WCQs, contributing to new-look team losing to Cambodia in first leg.
Pakistan's hopes of winning their first encounter was burnt to ashes when the team was beaten by Cambodia 2-0 in their first leg of the two-legged first round at the jam-packed Phnom Penh Stadium in Cambodia.
Under a heavy downpour, which particularly troubled Pakistan players, both sides played a tough game with Cambodia eventually striking double in the dying moments after a barren first half in which neither side could capitalist on the opportunities which came their way.
Having played the first leg in Cambodia on an artificial turf under heavy downpour and in front of a huge crowd supporting the local side, Doha is expected to bring in a joy for the Green-shirts as the conditions and the grassy pitch might benefit them to thump Cambodia.
“Yes, in Cambodia we faced trouble from every side. Cambodia have beaten some major teams at their own backyard and are a hard team to beat at home. But here in Doha we can pull off a big win,” an official said.
With the temperature exceeding 40 degree Celsius in Qatar, which will be hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, both Pakistan and Cambodia trained under floodlights. The Tuesday match will also be held under floodlights.
Pakistan team is training under the second session in Doha from last Saturday and now Jose Antonio Nogueira’s players will have their final training session at the match venue, Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium, in the Qatar’s capital today.
The do-or-die second-leg battle of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup joint qualifiers first round against Cambodia will be held tomorrow under floodlights, starting at 07:00 PM (local time).
