DOHA: Coach Fahad Thani is optimistic of Qatar’s chances of qualifying for next year’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Qatar must beat Iran and Uzbekistan in their next two 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches to be played in Doha in June.
“Our chances of qualifying for the World Cup are still alive,” coach Fahad said in a report posted on the www.qfa.com.qa website. “We lost to Korea last week but we are confident of picking up six points in the next two matches,” he added.
Qatar take on Iran on June 4 and Uzbekistan on June 18.
‘Al Anabi’ must pick up points in their next two games. The top two sides in each group get a direct berth at the 2014 FIFA World Cup to be held in Brazil.
“We have picked up valuable lessons in the matches we have played so far,” coach Fahad said.
“We have beaten Lebanon, Egypt and Thailand in friendlies whereas we beat Malaysia in an Asian Cup qualifier. We have done well in the recent past,” he added.
Observers says the team has combined well under Fahad who took over from Brazilian Paulo Autuori at the end of January this year.
Experts also say the team has plugged the gaps on the pitch and players have responded well to team work during matches.
Fahad also pointed out the team showed spirit in the 2-1 loss against Korea who scored the winner in the dying seconds of the Asian Zone, Group A clash at Seoul World Cup Stadium.
Qatar have scored eight goals in their last six matches, a vast improvement from the last season when the national team failed to score in key games.
Football experts also say that Fahad has brought out the best in players with strikers like Khalfan Ibrahim showing form in attacks.
Ibrahim, who plays as forward for Qatar Stars League (QSL) side Al Sadd, fired the equaliser in the game against Korea that delighted the ‘Al Anabi’ camp.
“Many positive changes have emerged,” a fan said yesterday. “The team is playing as a unit which is good to see,” the fan added.
Korean coach Choi Kang-Hee also praised Qatar last week.
“This team is different to what we have seen in the past,” he was quoted as saying. “We won late in the match and that tells you they fought hard,” he added.
Coach Fahad said: “Our target is six points from the next two matches. This is do-or-die for us, but we are confident.”
THE PENINSULA
