Qatari players during a training session yesterday as they prepare for their third European Qualifying match in Debrecen, Hungary. The Asian champions who have won both of their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 European Qualifiers so far, will take on Republic o
Debrecen: Asian Champions Qatar will be looking to wrap up the first stage of the European Qualifiers in Debrecen, Hungary, with a flourish when they face Ireland in today's Group A clash at the Nagyerdei Stadion.
Sanchez and his team are enjoying a fine run at the European Qualifiers where they have won both their Group A encounters so far, but Sanchez is aware that today's encounter will be the most difficult of them all.
Qatar, who have qualified automatically for the World Cup as the host nation, are included as a guest team in the European Qualifiers to gain match practice against top teams.
Sanchez yesterday warned his players about the challenges they might face in today's confrontation.
"Qatar are about to play a very difficult match against a strong team. Ireland has many players in the English Premier League, the strongest league in the world.
Considering that the confrontation will be an ideal test for our team, we have to adapt quickly to such types of matches," Sanchez said during a virtual press conference on the eve of the match.
"There is no doubt that it is a difficult match against a strong team that seeks to recover from their previous two losses. They will look for a win which will of course act as a motivation for them. So it will be a high-level match, especially from the physical point of view. They have players who have fast reflections," Sanchez said.
"We will try to provide the best possible level in order to continue the good image that we presented in the previous two games and we have to be ready to avoid any situations that the competitor may impose on us," Sanchez said yesterday.
Qatar are high in confidence, having defeated Azerbaijan and Luxembourg.
Mohammed Muntari fired the 'Hosts' Qatar at the Nagyerdei Stadion to their opening win against Luxembourg (1-0). Later, skipper Hasan Al Haydos scored a stunning winner in their 2-1 victory over Azerbaijan to take his tally to 30 international goals in 137 caps.
Ireland come into today's match off the back of a defeat to Luxembourg on Saturday night, their 10th loss in a row since the arrival of their new manager Stephen Kenny.
It was also their second loss in the Group stage, having lost 3-2 at Serbia. Saturday's 1-0 defeat at home against Luxembourg who are 98th in the FIFA rankings - 56 spots lower than Ireland, rubbed more salt into their wounds.
In today's match, Ireland will miss the services of Tottenham full-back Matt Doherty and Sheffield United’s Enda Stevens.
Qatar coach Felix Sanchez with team officials during a training session yesterday.
"We have an idea about the formation for today's game, but at the same time we will wait until our last training in order to make the final decision on the line-up," Sanchez said yesterday.
"We focus only on preparing for matches optimally, we are not affected by what is happening or what is said in the media. We always work hard and prepare well to compete in the best possible way," Sanchez said.
Meanwhile, star striker Almoez Ali said the team's goal is to present the best possible image which fits the "Asian Champions" tag.
"The fighting spirit has always been the most important secret of our successes, during the current tournament or in the previous events we have he participated in," Almoez, Qatar's hero at the AFC Asian Cup two years ago, said yesterday.
"We hope to continue what we started in the European Qualifiers. We are a good team and as long as the collective and fighting spirit is there, we will try to give our best.
"It does not matter who scores, the important thing is for the team to provide a decent performance. Personally, I seek to help the team and this is my goal. And if I get the opportunity I will score goals of course because this is part of my responsibility," Almoez, who has played for several European clubs, including KAS Eupen, FC Pasching, LASK Linz and Cultural Leonesa, said.
"We are participating in a unique event which is an ideal opportunity to make contact with strong teams in preparation for the World Cup. We hope the qualifiers in the best possible way by giving our best against Ireland," Almoez said.
