Qatar players take part in a training session in Debrecen, Hungary, yesterday as they gear up for today's 2022 FIFA World Cup European qualifier against Luxembourg.
Three intense international matches in seven days but reigning Asian champions Qatar are not worried.
On the contrary, the 2019 Asian Cup winners are thrilled to be playing competitive football after a long break because of the COVID-19 situation around the globe, coach Felix Sanchez said yesterday.
Qatar take on Luxembourg in a Group A clash of the 2022 FIFA World Cup European qualifiers at Nagyerdei Stadion today.
Qatar coach Felix Sanchez addressing a press conference yesterday.
Qatar have entered the European campaign to get some much-needed match practice as they prepare for the 2022 World Cup on home soil.
Today’s match will be Qatar’s first international since they beat Bangladesh 5-0 on Dec 4, 2020.
Qatar only played three other internationals last year.
In Group C, Qatar are joined by Portugal, Serbia, Republic of Ireland and Azerbaijan. To cut travel time, Qatar are playing their ‘home’ fixtures in Hungary.
“First of all, the national team players are used to this situation (of playing three matches within a week). The players have been playing this kind of format for some time now,” Sanchez said during a press conference held in Debrecen, Hungary, yesterday.
“They are used to playing 3-4 matches in a short period of time. That is not going to be an issue. We have good number of (28) players here so we can change players when we want to,” the Spaniard added.
“It is not hard but an exciting challenge. We are playing after a long period. We haven’t played much because of COVID-19 situation so we are happy to be playing three matches,” Sanchez said.
“We selected the players who we think can help with this set-up. The players - senior and young - are doing well with their clubs,” Sanchez said.
“They have the level to do well here. They deserve to be here. The young players have an exciting future with Qatar. We are in a nice facility. The Nagyerdei Stadium is amazing. Let’s hope the weather stays clear and we can have a good match. The players will look to respond well. We are quite happy to be playing here at this stadium,” Sanchez said.
After their clash against Luxembourg - ranked 98 in the world - Qatar face Azerbaijan on March 27 followed by a match against Ireland on March 30.
The Qatar coach said his players will be targeting points this week.
“I think in this kind of competition during which you need to focus on competing well and try to get some good results. We want results that we are happy with. We will try to compete in every game. We will try to do well. They players will have to show they are here to optimise their level so that they can help the national team in the future,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez denied his squad - appearing in the event to get match practice in the build-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup - would treat their trip to Europe as a friendly series.
“Obviously we take it as official tournament for us. We are here to compete and play 10 games. We will see how many points we get in the tournament and that is our target,” Sanchez said yesterday.
“Luxembourg have a squad with players playing in different European countries. They have players at the top level. They are a quality team. They are growing in the last few years. Their staff has been working for a long time and they will be a good opponent for us,” he said.
