Qatari football players train ahead of their friendly match against 2017 FIFA World Cup hosts - Russia which will be played at Al Sadd Stadium today. Picture by: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
Qatar will look to test the Russian resolve in their international friendly today with emphasis on giving home players a decent run ahead of next week's 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash against China.
This was said yesterday by Qatar coach Jorge Fossati who took over the reigns of the national side in late September.
Under Fossati, Qatar lost 3-2 against Korea in an away game before beating Syria 1-0 last month for their first points of this phase of the Asian Zone qualifying campaign.
This will be the first game between the next two FIFA World Cup hosts - Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022.
Today's friendly will kick off at 7.00pm at Al Sadd Stadium.
"Of course it is good to have a friendly game now against Russia. It should be a very nice opportunity to enjoy this friendly game and check our preparations for China game," Fossati said.
"But knowing what our situation is - I mean we cannot forget that our target is five years when we host the World Cup but we will try to use the Russia friendly to check the physical fitness of the players," Fossati said.
"We are trying to take care of our players because we have an important game coming up. I like playing friendlies of this kind where we can enjoy the game and get experience also," he said.
Last week, Fossati named a 27-member squad including veteran striker Sebastian Soria and Al Sadd forward Hassan Al Haydos.
After guiding Qatar past Syria in a home clash on October 6, Fossati has spent a busy time following the national team players during Qatar Stars League (QSL) clashes the last three weeks.
After the clash at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Fossati will lead his side to China where they play their Asian Zone qualifying game on November 15.
"Tomorrow we have a tough opponent who play attacking game."
"They are very strong in physical football. But of course we will to do our part. We will play with our ideas and strengths," Fosati said at Al Sadd Stadium during a press conference.
Fossati said he was not the one to pick Russia for today's friendly.
"This game was decided by the two federations sometime back. We are only happy to get a quality side like Russia as we go into a tough game against China in China," Fossati said.
"We are optimistic of a positive result even if some may say this is not possible. Yes, Russia are a tough European side but I have faith in my players," he said.
