Iran, Qatar in A Blockbuster Clash in World Cup Qualifier
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran and Qatar are set for a blockbuster clash when they meet in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 on Tuesday.
Iran leads the standings together with Uzbekistan while a win for Qatar will see the two-time AFC Asian Cup champion drawing level with Tuesday's opponents.
Iran had to be satisfied with a draw against Uzbekistan on Thursday and will know that it can't afford to drop points against Qatar in Dubai’s Rashid Stadium.
Particularly concerning for head coach Amir Ghalenoei will be the fact that goals have been hard to come by, with Iran only having found the back of the net twice in three matches.
Thursday's 3-1 win against Kyrgyzstan was Qatar's first triumph of its campaign and head coach Marquez Lopez will be hoping the victory was the booster his side needed in their bid to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Finals on merit for the first time.
The Persian Gulf side will go into the tie with the psychological advantage of having defeated Iran 3-2 in thrilling AFC Asian Cup semi-final in February.
