RIO DE JANEIRO: Coach Felix Sanchez on Saturday urged Qatar players to be 'fully prepared' to face Paraguay in their Copa America clash.
Asia Cup champions Qatar will take on two-time winners Paraguay in a Group B clash on Sunday.
"The Paraguayan team is good and strong and we respect them as a team. We know the importance of this match. We have to be fully prepared for this difficult encounter," Sanchez said at a press conference held at the Maracana Stadium.
"It's the same with Colombia and Argentina, because they are strong teams in the tournament," he added.
"It is an important opportunity for us to gain experience. We want to present a good picture of Qatari football," he said.
Sanchez said participation in Copa America was a great challenge for Al-Annabi.
"We have to give our best against big teams. This helps us to develop, progress and gain experience, which is a key goal for us," Sanchez said on Saturday.
"The goal is clear for us to play strong games. It was different during the Asian Cup," he said.
When asked about the clash against Argentina on June 23, Sanchez praised Lionel Messi.
"He is the best player in the world, and facing him will be difficult," Sanchez said.
"We have to prepare strongly when we play against teams that dominate world football. Such events will help us prepare well for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar," he added.
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