Qatar will be aiming to record a hat-trick of wins when they take on Ireland on Tuesday in the European Zone FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers at the Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen, Hungary.
After their 1-0 win over Luxembourg in the first match, Felix Sanchez’s men came back from a goal down to beat Azerbaijan 2-1, with captain Hassan al-Haydos striking twice.
Going by Qatar’s and Ireland’s current form, the former will hold the advantage on Tuesday. Ireland are on a terrible run of results and have yet to win a game during Stephen Kenny’s time in charge. They have drawn four and lost six under the former Dundalk manager.
There were positive signs in Ireland’s 3-2 defeat to Serbia but Saturday night’s 1-0 reversal to Luxembourg has compounded Ireland’s awful run of form. With Tottenham full-back Matt Doherty and Enda Stevens ruled out of Tuesday’s friendly, 58th ranked Qatar will fancy their chances against Ireland, who are 29th in FIFA rankings.
But despite Ireland’s woeful form and injury concerns, Qatar coach Felix Sanchez expected a ‘difficult confrontation’ against a ‘strong team’.
“There is no doubt that it is a difficult match against a strong team that will be looking to bounce back from their recent defeats. That will motivate them,” the Spaniard said Monday.
“I will be a high level match, especially from the physical point of view. They have good players in their line-up. We will try to provide the best possible level in order to continue the good out good run,” he added.
Sanchez hinted he will play a strong team – the one he fielded against Luxembourg last Wednesday.
“I have an idea about the team we will play but will take a final decision after today’s training. Whoever plays will have to give their 100 percent. We always strive to work hard and prepare our best to compete in the best possible way,” he said.
Meanwhile, striker Almoez Ali said: “We hope to continue our good form. We want to play as a team with a collective spirit, which has been key for our success in the recent past. It doesn’t matter who scores, the important thing is for the team to provide a decent performance.
“Personally, I want to help the team and this is my goal and if I get the opportunity I will score goals of course,” he said.