The Croatian oversaw a scoreless draw with the Qataris as India bounced back from a late loss at the hands of Oman in their opening qualifier for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023, and Stimac is focusing his – and his players’ – attentions on securing their first three-point haul in Group E.

Abdulaziz Al Muqbali scored twice and Muhsen Al Ghassani added a second-half penalty as Oman registered their second consecutive victory en route to the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

Yusuf Abdurisag’s first-half goal and a late strike from Karim Boudiaf helped seal all three points for Sanchez’s charges on a night when, despite the damp conditions, they maintained their push to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

With a crucial trip to second-placed Oman looming large on Tuesday, the Spanish tactician was left in doubt as to the importance of the victory following a job well done for 2019 AFC Asian Cup winners at Dhaka’s Bangabandhu National Stadium.

The win takes Qatar to the top of the standings on seven points, having claimed a 6-0 win over Afghanistan on Matchday One before playing to a goalless draw against India.

It was Bangladesh's second defeat, having lost 1-0 to Afghanistan in their group opener.

Abdulaziz Al Muqbali scored twice and Mohsin Al Ghassani converted from the spot for Oman as Erwin Koeman’s charges made it two wins from two on a night when, after initially failing to find their rhythm, they emerged worthy winners.

Following on from their 2-1 win against India on Matchday One, the success leaves Oman occupying second place in the standings, one point behind group leaders Qatar who claimed a 2-0 victory away in Bangladesh earlier in the day.

There was great support for India in their Asian Qualifiers opener against Oman in Guwahati on September 5 and head coach Igor Stimac is expecting a similar scenario in Kolkata, where the Blue Tigers will be playing for the first time in eight years.

India's result against Qatar, where they held the AFC Asian Cup champions 0-0 in Doha after suffering a late 2-1 defeat to Oman is also expected to spur the fans to pack the VYBK Stadium stands.

India went into the tie braced for a tough night against the in-form Qatar, who had defeated Afghanistan 6-0 in their opening tie, but walked away with a share of the points.