There's a slight chance that there will be only 5 groups in ACQ 3rd round. If Qatar wins the group and China (host) doesnt qualify for next round WCQ, both will qualify for Asian Cup, but won't play any more qualifiers. 12 teams will play WCQ and automatically qualifies for Asian Cup. That leaves only 10 spots to be filled and 5 groups may be used in final round.
But that means 6 teams will be knocked-out on playoffs (no second round) compared to 4 in standard format. So not sure what AFC will decide. If they go with 6 groups, 2 group runner-up in 3rd round ACQ won't qualify for Asian Cup.
So finishing 3rd will be crucial for India to not get involved in this mess.
National team players have started travelling to Delhi where they will do a RTPCR test, get into a bubble and then fly to Qatar early next week. No hard quarantine in Doha.
AIFF could have asked all players & staff for PCR test prior to reporting in Delhi. If someone has contacted virus, it will create unnecessary havoc in players & staff.
AIFF could have at-least announced probable's. As usual they are always late in schedule. But other than that, so far everything looks smooth.
Good to know that there is no Hard Quarantine . But I read somewhere, though they have allowed us to practice, Indian players should be in quarantine for 14 days. This might be a restriction for all foreigners landing in Qatar.
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But that means 6 teams will be knocked-out on playoffs (no second round) compared to 4 in standard format. So not sure what AFC will decide. If they go with 6 groups, 2 group runner-up in 3rd round ACQ won't qualify for Asian Cup.
So finishing 3rd will be crucial for India to not get involved in this mess.
https://twitter.com/MarcusMergulhao?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author
Utttar Banga Sambad adds that the players have been asked to report to Delhi within the 16th and the team would fly out to Doha on the 19th.
Soft Quarantine means team can go to practice ground in Qatar from Hotel in a biobubble I think.
4-5 days of suspense regarding squad
AIFF could have at-least announced probable's. As usual they are always late in schedule. But other than that, so far everything looks smooth.
Good to know that there is no Hard Quarantine . But I read somewhere, though they have allowed us to practice, Indian players should be in quarantine for 14 days. This might be a restriction for all foreigners landing in Qatar.
Hope the FC Goa players make it basis their performance in the Champions' league!!!