Qatar schedule international friendly against Albania

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Thursday, February 25th 2016 12:41 PM

DOHA: Qatar will play Euro 2016 side Albania in an international friendly on May 29 this year, the Qatar Football Association (QFA) announced on Thursday. The match - to be played in Austria - will be part of Qatar's friendly series against top-50 ranked sides in the world, QFA said. Coached by Daniel Carreno, Qatar are currently top of Group A in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Asian Zone qualifying phase with six wins from as many matches so far. "Since last year, we have decided to play against teams that are ranked in the top-50 on the FIFA computer rankings," a QFA official said on Thursday. "The forthcoming clash will give Carreno and boys ample time and opportunity to test the players against some of the best sides in the world," the official said. "Since last year, Qatar has played teams like Algeria,Slovenia, Ireland,Scotland, Turkey and now we are getting ready to play againstAlbania," the QFA official said. "This trend will continue as we seek top-50 ranked sides for our future international friendlies," he added. Albania, currently ranked number 36 in the world, are going to feature at this year's Euor 2016 championships. The European side presented a fierce appetite for tough football by beating former World Champions France and powerhouse Portugal during their 2016 Euro qualification. At Euro, Albanian, coached by Gianni De Biasi, will be paired with France, Romania and Switzerland. Qatar are hosts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.