Qatar
Qatar began with a gutsy late draw against Switzerland but were then torn apart by Switzerland, shipping six and ending the game with nine players after two red cards in quick succession, which has left their goal difference at minus six and no room for mistakes. Coach Julen Lopetegui will try to shore up a back line that was overwhelmed, and once more much of the creative burden rests on Akram Afif in attack. I think the bans from those dismissals, together with the knock to morale from that kind of scoreline, make it hard to picture Qatar suddenly finding their best form. They realistically need a big win to climb above the loser of the other group fixture, which is a huge ask against a team designed to grind out results.
Expected Lineup: Barsham; Pedro Miguel, Khoukhi, Hassan, Al-Brake; Laye, Gaber; Afif, Boudiaf, Edmilson Jr; Abdurisag.
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Bosnia-Herzegovina earned a respectable point against the co-hosts before coming up against a ruthless Switzerland team, and they know only a win will get them out of the Group Stage. Edin Dzeko is still the main man up front at 40, although a shoulder issue puts his place in the starting lineup in some doubt, while Haris Tabakovic is still nursing a metatarsal problem and Sead Kolasinac has been playing through a knock since the first game. I believe Sergej Barbarez has the more savvy squad in this contest, and a physical midfield could tip it their way. With a knockout place at stake and the other game running at the same time affecting how hard they push, I see them pushing players forward and taking the game to Qatar.
Expected Lineup: Vasilj; Dedic, Katic, Muharemovic, Kolasinac; Alajbegovic, Tahirovic, Sunjic, Memic; Demirovic, Dzeko.
