Tribune News Network
DOHA
Qatar have finalised three international friendly matches as part of their preparation for the AFC Asian Cup Football Championship, to be held in the UAE in January 2019.
Qatar will take on China in the first friendly game at the Khalifa International Stadium on September 7, followed by a friendly against Palestine on September 17. The third game will be played against Ecuador on October 2.
Currently, Qatar are undergoing an intensive training programme in Austria, and head coach Felix Sanchez believes the team has benefitted from the camp.
"The team atmosphere is very positive and an enjoyable one," said Sanchez.
"Things are developing as planned. The players have responded well to my plans.
"There are fitness drills and then there is football action in double training sessions. This is a great opportunity to build the right momentum moving forward. The coming days and weeks and even months will be used appropriately to build player fitness and confidence," he added.
On his team selection, Sanchez said,"We have taken the opportunity in this camp to choose more players than usual because not all will be selected. We will keep in mind who is good and who can be good in the coming weeks.
"What we are trying to do is get the players mentally ready for the challenges ahead," the Spaniard said.
"I see huge potential in some of the younger players."
Qatar are grouped alongside DPR Korea, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia in Group E, and will launch their campaign against Lebanese.