Qatar head coach Jose Daniel Carreno will take a fully-prepared squad into the opening match of Group A in the 2018 World Cup Asian zone qualification against hosts Iran today at the famous Azadi Stadium as the 2022 World Cup host nation attempt to qualify for the World Cup for the first time.
Russia 2018 marks the last time Qatar can debut at the finals via a successful qualifying campaign, despite coming agonisingly close on more than one occasion.
“Tomorrow’s match is extremely significant, starting well always helps to set you on the right path, and even though we are paired with a very strong opponent, we are more determined than ever to realise the dream we have been pursuing for a very long time,” Carreno said in the official pre-game press conference held yesterday at the Iran Football Federation headquarters.
After a stoppage-time goal against the Maldives gave Qatar a winning start to their 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Asian Qualifiers, Preliminary Round 2 qualifying campaign, Al Annabi went on a run of victories that saw them become the first side through to the Final Round, with their impressive winning streak – coupled with results elsewhere – guaranteeing a first-place finish in Group C with two games to spare.
“We respect Iran as one of the best teams in Asia but we don’t fear them. I’m confident that my team prepared well for this game as we have had good training camps and friendly matches during the last thirty days. I can attest to the fact that my players are in top form before tomorrow’s contest” said the Uruguayan tactician.
“We will take it game by game. Every game will be important,” he added.
The focus for Carreno is to walk away from this fixture with maximum points but he believes a draw would be a good result too. “We came here with our sights set on taking all three points, on the other hand, a draw wouldn’t be discouraging since we are talking about an away game in a very competitive group” he added.
After taking over the Qatar job in May 2015, Carreno has transformed the team results, posting a total of 16 wins in the following 15 months.
Qatar have scored 44 goals while conceding only 14 in the same period to signal dominance at Asian level.
“I know Iran team quite well, they had some changes but the composition is the same as before. Physically, Iran is the strongest team in our group and they play with lots of passion but they have weaknesses as well. This is not going to be an easy game for us but I hope my players do their best in order to get the best result,” he added.
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