16 years after al-Enazi magic, Qatar again face Iran in must-win situation

By Anil John/Sports Editor

 Coming barely a month after Iran had thrashed Qatar 3-0 in Tehran with strikes from the legendary Karim Bagheri and Ali Daei before a 80,000 strong noisy crowd at the Azadi Stadium, al-Enazi’s single-handed demolition of the rival defence became the stuff of legend as it gave his team hope of making it to the World Cup for the first time.

Fate, however, deemed otherwise. Needing to beat Saudi Arabia in Doha on November 12 in order to book their tickets to France, Qatar suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to bow out of the race. To add salt to their wounds, both Iran and Saudi Arabia qualified.

Almost 16 years down the line, Qatar are faced with an identical situation: a must-win match against Iran. A loss, or even a draw, would be catastrophic, rendering their next match against Uzbekistan in Tashkent practically meaningless.

Iran and Qatar have been constant companions in the long-drawn qualifying process. After playing two gritty draws against each other in the third round, they found themselves clubbed together in the final qualifying phase where, once again, the honours are equal so far with Qatar holding their nerve for a goalless draw in their away game in Tehran.

All the history and the attrition between the two countries  is expected to boil over at Al Sadd Stadium today when they clash for the fourth time in a qualifying match for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

It’s an occasion that will fire up both teams, although Qatar coach Fahd Thani fielded questions with characteristic calmness and poise.

“The match will be really tough for both teams, but we have high expectations,” Thani told journalists at the Qatar team press conference yesterday.

Thani, under who, Qatar have had a decent run, reckons his players are better placed to win today’s match because many of them have been part of winning campaigns both in national competitions as well as the AFC Champions League.

“Our players have won several top prizes at the Qatar Football Association awards which shows their mettle,” he said, referring to Qatar and Al Sadd stars Khalfan Ibrahim and Abdulkarim Hassan bagging the ‘Player of the Season’ and ‘Best Young Player of the Season’ honours.

“Also they did well in the Champions League where Lekhwiya have made the quarter-finals”.

The Qatar coach dismissed concerns stemming from the Sebastian Soria’s absence in the line-up due to injury.

Thani gave credit to the Iranians, saying they had a better FIFA ranking (57 against Qatar’s 107) and footballing history, but said Qatar’s determination will see them through.

“Football is a game of how you handle the small details on the field. The Iranian players are very experienced and generally are of a better build, but what we have is great speed and high technical quality.

“Also, we are playing at the Al Sadd Stadium, where we have won many crucial battles in the past. God willing, we will be celebrating after the game tomorrow night.”

Thani said he was not overly worried about the absence of star striker Sebastian Soria through injury.

“We will miss Sebastian but we have quality replacements. Our team is made of players who complement each other really well.”

Despite his generally placid demeanour, Thani was not averse to playing a few mind games with the Iranians.

“Their preparations for this match have not been good,” said the Qatari, referring to the recent defeat Iran suffered at the hands of Oman in a friendly, while Qatar had beaten Latvia and drawn with Azerbaijan.

“Also they have issues within the team,” he added, pointing to the several injuries Iran are dealing with, with players like Mahdi Rahmati, Ali Karimi,  Hadi Aghili and star midfielder Ashkan Dejagah out of action.

Iran coach Carlos Quieroz and captain Javad Nekounam said the match was crucial for both teams.

“Iran and Qatar have a lot to play for. Both teams are determined to qualify for the World Cup and the match tomorrow will be well fought,” said Quieroz.

 Nekounam, who played seven seasons for La Liga side Osasuna, but is now with Iran’s Estheglal, said his side would be sparing no effort in their bid to beat Qatar.

“We know our fans want us to be in the World Cup and we will do our best for our country,” said Nekounam.