DOHA: Qatar recorded a 2-1 victory over Bulgaria in a friendly game played at the Education City Stadium on Saturday, taking another step in the preparations for the World Cup, which the country will host in the coming winter. The first half ended with Qatar in front, leading by Akram Afif’s goal from the penalty spot in the 27th minute. After the break, Bulgaria regained their composure and struck back in the 60th minute through Kiril Despodov to equalise. Qatar went in search of another goal to reclaim the lead, and it duly arrived in the 75th minute, when Khoukhi Boualem headed past the Bulgarian keeper after a free-kick delivered by Afif. Education City Stadium – a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venue – will host both the friendly matches featuring the home side. The 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia will also play matches in Qatar against Slovenia (March 26) and Bulgaria (March 29). While Qatar has not played international matches for almost three months, the national players represented their respective clubs in a hectic domestic season, including the recently-concluded QNB Stars League and the 50th edition of the Amir Cup. Al Annabi will next face Slovenia on March 29. Akram Afif, Boualem Khoukhi, Pedro Miguel, Saad Al Sheeb, Tarek Salman, Abdelkarim Hassan, Ali Asad, Mohammed Waad, Meshaal Barsham, Musaab Khidir, Ismail Mohammad, Bassam Al Rawi, Assim Madibo, Abdullah Al Ahrak, Karim Boudiaf, Almoez Ali, Abdelrahman Mohammed, Ahmed Alaa, Homam El Amin, Yousuf Hassan, Khaled Muneer, Hazem Ahmed, Nayef Al Hadhrami.