Can Pakistan qualify for the Football World Cup?

Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad, Leg 2 of 2, first round, and Pakistan got the much-awaited first-ever victory in the qualifying match for the World Cup against Cambodia.

It was beyond all expectations as the team having a ranking of 197 defeated  Columbia 1-0 and reached the second round of the World Cup qualifiers round.

This victory was like the message of spring after the long drought of defeats.

Victories

Earlier this month in Phnom Penh, the first leg of the World Cup qualifying round, Pakistan succeeded in drawing the match. This draw smelt more like a victory as it ended the ongoing drought of defeats over eight long years since 2015.

The Pakistani team had won the last match against Afghanistan at Lahore in 2015. In that match, Pakistan, gaining the psychological benefit of the home crowd, won the match in Lahore.

A similar victory was also achieved at home ground before a supportive home crowd today which was a defining moment for the team.

Home ground advantage

Besides the home ground, the team has benefited positively from the stimulating coaching of the recently appointed coach Constantine (previously coach of the Indian team).

He has made a promising start by raising the spirits of the players and improving their outlook on the game which has affected their performance positively.

The match with Colombia

Although Colombian players performed very well by keeping the ball in their grip most of the time Pakistani players availed the most clearcut and sure chances. The efforts of the right by Moin Ahmad were parried away by the Columbian goalkeeper.

The Upcoming Matches

Pakistan now will compete against teams like Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Jordan starting in November for the next round of the World Cup. These are the best performers in football and are considered giants in the arena of football.

The Pakistani team under the influence of their new coach and with the combination of seasoned and fresh players will hopefully achieve their much-awaited objective of improving their ranking in the arena of the world’s most popular and well-liked game.

If the team tries to be consistent in its performance and maintain its winning streak, it can achieve the seemingly impossible task of qualifying for the next round of World Cup qualifiers.

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