DOHA: Qatar’s national team coach Felix Sanchez on Sunday announced
the squad for two international friendlies against Ecuador and Uzbekistan t
his month.
Qatar host Ecuador on October 12 at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium and then
fly to Tashkent for another international against hosts Uzbekistan on October
16.
The two matches are a part of international friendly series scheduled to give
Qatar maximum match practice going into the 2019 Asian Cup to be held in the
UAE next January.
“We are ready to play two matches against Ecuador and Uzbekistan. We have
chosen a list of 26 players for these matches. We have picked players who are
in form and fit,” Sanchez said during the press conference.
“We are working on our plans to be ready for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. We
know we have to have a strong side for that tournament,” the Spaniard added.
“We are aware of the importance of our match against Ecuador, which is a very
tough and difficult match. In addition to this, we will also play against Uzbekistan
soon. Next month we will play against Iceland and Switzerland,” he added.
“As far as Ecuador is concerned, we know that they are very dangerous side
especially as the Ecuadorians are working on an ambitious programme to
participate in the next FIFA World Cup to be held in Qatar. They have professional
players in Europe and we are waiting for this game. We have prepared to know
how our team will face Ecuador,” Sanchez said.
“For the clash against Uzbekistan, I remember that we were together in one group
of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. They are a strong team. We will try and
play strongly against them and we will go through this match with great concentration,
” Sanchez said.
“Our program is aimed at playing high-level matches and to face teams that are strong,”
he said.
“We have a team of talented players who are capable of representing Qatar with pride.
We have noticed that the level of players we have selected qualifies them to play in the
national team. They have done well with their clubs and deserve to be part of my team.
Mohammed Salah El-Nili, Mohamed Moussa and Ali Afif are good players and we will
give them the opportunity to participate in the coming matches,” he said.
“We are currently focusing on the coming two matches that we will play against Ecuador
and Uzbekistan. We know that Qatar will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup and we are working
to prepare the team to be at the highest level. This month we are preparing to play good
matches against the next two opponents, he said.
Source: qfa.qa