MEF - Qatar manager
Philippe Troussier believes playing behind closed doors against Iran on
Wednesday will have a negative impact on the hoe side, as Qatar take on the
Gulf giants in World Cup Asian zone Group A qualifiers.
“This must surely play in our favour. Iranian fans are amongst the most
vibrant in the world and playing behind closed doors comes at the very right
time,” Troussier told Qatari media in Tehran.
Iran were penalized by the AFC by playing three home fixtures without fans,
following fireworks troubles against North Korea in the Asian Cup qualifiers
which ended with the visitors leaving the pitch midway through the
second-half.
“I have a broad image of their squad, they are now witnessing a transitional
phase but still count on 5 stars playing their club football in Germany and
the United Arab Emirates,” added the French manager.
“We do also have a young and talented side, and we all know that the first
outing is a capital one at all levels of the game.
“A win for us would be a great start to build on for the rest of the
qualifiers, and I got all my players having a string willing to do the
needful,” he concluded.
