Basrah, Iraq: The Qatar national team finished training at the Basra International Stadium on Sunday in preparation for the Arabian Gulf Cup semi-finals against hosts Iraq. The team trained at full capacity on Sunday under the direction and control of coach Bruno Pinheiro. Bahrain and Oman will meet at the Minaa Olympic Stadium at 8:15 pm in the second semi-final matchup on Monday. The  players have shown a great deal of enthusiasm and determination to play their best in Monday's semi-final match against Iraq at what is expected a fully packed stadium supporting the hosts, who faced little resistance in the quest to finish atop of group A in the group stage. Head-to head, Iraq leads Qatar in Gulf Cup competition; Qatar last defeated Iraq in the seventh tournament, in 1984 (2-1), and Iraq defeated Qatar in the most recent tournament, the 24th, which Bahrain eventually won. Ten matches have been played between the two teams, with Iraq taking five of them. Qatar has won once and drawn four times. In goals scored, with 16 goals, Iraq is way ahead of Qatar, who only has 9. On Sunday, Pinheiro, the coach of Qatar, said his team was prepared for Monday's semi-final, which he expects to be a memorable game for both the players and the fans. "Given the short intervals between games, I can only hope that all players come ready to play. It's going to be a tough game, and the team that makes fewer mistakes will come  out on top, but we're confident in our tactical preparation.” Pinheiro said on Sunday. "Iraq has a strong team. The physical prowess of their players is extraordinary. Obviously, playing at home gives them an advantage. Yes, they will try their hardest to win, but we are prepared, too,” he said. When asked whether he plans to continue  playing the same second-half lineup that helped him earn a draw and a playoff spot against the United Arab Emirates, he said,“I can't divulge my playing XI right now as I am focusing now on player recovery. Everybody has made great efforts, our substitutes were just as effective as our starters in the game against the United Arab Emirates " he said. He continued" For example, Tamim was in the starting line-up for the first two matches and on the bench for the third one. Once he was given the opportunity and stepped in the field he definitely made the difference by scoring the key goal". “The Iraqi side will have the support of their fans but we are ready to absorb the pressure. It will be a good experience for our young players, to learn how to cope in such conditios" he said. "History changes in football," he said of Qatar's inability to beat Iraq in the Gulf Cup since 1984, "and today is a different day; this is how we will approach tomorrow's match."he added " We must focus on the things that we can control and prepare ourselves in the best possible manner to get the outcome we desire.