Our focus is on Ecuador, Uzbekistan friendlies, says coach Sanchez

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Monday, October 8th 2018 04:34 AM

DOHA: Qatar's national team coach Felix Sanchez on Sunday announced the squad for two international friendlies against Ecuador and Uzbekistan t his month.   Qatar host Ecuador on October 12 at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium and then fly to Tashkent for another international against hosts Uzbekistan on October 16.   The two matches are a part of international friendly series scheduled to give Qatar maximum match practice going into the 2019 Asian Cup to be held in the UAE next January.   "We are ready to play two matches against Ecuador and Uzbekistan. We have chosen a list of 26 players for these matches. We have picked players who are in form and fit," Sanchez said during the press conference.   "We are working on our plans to be ready for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. We know we have to have a strong side for that tournament," the Spaniard added.   "We are aware of the importance of our match against Ecuador, which is a very tough and difficult match. In addition to this, we will also play against Uzbekistan soon. Next month we will play against Iceland and Switzerland," he added.   "As far as Ecuador is concerned, we know that they are very dangerous side especially as the Ecuadorians are working on an ambitious programme to participate in the next FIFA World Cup to be held in Qatar. They have professional players in Europe and we are waiting for this game. We have prepared to know how our team will face Ecuador," Sanchez said.   "For the clash against Uzbekistan, I remember that we were together in one group of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. They are a strong team. We will try and play strongly against them and we will go through this match with great concentration, " Sanchez said.   "Our program is aimed at playing high-level matches and to face teams that are strong," he said.   "We have a team of talented players who are capable of representing Qatar with pride. We have noticed that the level of players we have selected qualifies them to play in the national team. They have done well with their clubs and deserve to be part of my team. Mohammed Salah El-Nili, Mohamed Moussa and Ali Afif are good players and we will give them the opportunity to participate in the coming matches," he said.   "We are currently focusing on the coming two matches that we will play against Ecuador and Uzbekistan. We know that Qatar will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup and we are working to prepare the team to be at the highest level. This month we are preparing to play good matches against the next two opponents, he said.