Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Qatar is gearing up for a high-stakes encounter against the United Arab Emirates in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 on Tuesday. Both teams head into the match on the back of crucial victories on Thursday, with Qatar edging Uzbekistan 3-2 and UAE convincingly defeating Kyrgyz Republic 3-0. With the race for the two automatic qualification spots intensifying, Qatar knows the importance of securing another three points. Head coach Marquez Lopez, whose side is aiming to qualify for the FIFA World Cup on merit for the first time, emphasized the significance of the clash. "This match is critical for us. We’ve worked hard to get to this point, and now it’s about maintaining focus and composure. Every player on this team understands the importance of staying fully concentrated from the first whistle to the last," Lopez stated. The thrilling win against Uzbekistan came courtesy of a late strike by Lucas Mendes, a moment that Lopez believes showcases his team’s determination. "We showed great character in that match. However, while winning in such a dramatic fashion is satisfying, we know we need to be more consistent and avoid putting ourselves in such situations," he said. When asked about the tight schedule and its impact on his squad, Lopez played down concerns about physical fatigue but highlighted the importance of mental readiness. "Physically, I don’t see any issues with the players. We have a well-prepared squad that is used to handling the demands of competitive football. The real challenge, however, is the mental side. When players switch between tournaments in such a short period, they can sometimes feel mentally drained. That’s something we’ve been addressing, and I’m confident the team is mentally ready to deliver a strong performance," Lopez explained. Qatar has faced challenges in maintaining their lead in several matches during the group stage, something Lopez acknowledged but viewed as part of the game. "We have a clear system and defined ideas about how we play as a team. However, football is unpredictable, and individual lapses can happen. It’s something we constantly work on, but at the same time, it’s part of the sport. What matters is how we respond collectively, and I believe my team has the resilience to manage such situations better," he remarked. Tuesday’s clash against UAE presents an opportunity for Qatar to not only avenge their 3-1 defeat in September but also to strengthen their position in the group standings. "We respect UAE; they are a strong team with quality players. However, we are fully prepared, both tactically and physically. The key will be to stay disciplined and seize our opportunities when they come," Lopez concluded. As Qatar looks to navigate the complexities of the AFC Asian Qualifiers, the focus remains on teamwork, resilience, and maintaining the drive that has brought them this far.