FOOTBALL – QATAR return to action on home soil in search of a victory which would see them book a spot in a second consecutive World Cup, after debuting on the global stage as the host nation in the 2022 edition.
Following a group-stage exit in that competition, the Maroons set out to return and began impressively, winning their second-round group with an unbeaten record.
A fourth-placed finish in Group A of the third round was enough to see them progress to this stage, having earned 13 points from 10 matches in that group, managing four victories alongside five defeats including losses in both meetings with tomorrow’s opponents the UAE.
Then seeking to guarantee their place in next year’s tournament by taking top spot in the fourth round under the management of Julen Lopetegui, who took charge in May, the Maroons began against Oman last Wednesday and shared the points as the contest ended goalless.
Now sitting second in the group, but only leading Oman on goal difference, Qatar head into the contest knowing a victory would see them advance to next year’s tournament a draw would confirm their spot in a fifth-round playoff tie and a defeat may end their qualifying journey.
&uuid=(email))