DEBRECEN, Hungary: Influential midfielder Abdullah Al Ahrak said Qatar’s match against Portugal would help the players regain their confidence.

The two teams clash on Saturday in a 2022 World Cup European qualifying match.

“The Portugal match is significant in our preparation journey leading to the 2022 World Cup,” Abdullah said in a press conference.

“The Portuguese team includes a group of experienced players as they play with several European clubs and the evidence of that is they lead Group A by 10 points,” he said.

“The absence of Cristiano Ronaldo will not have much impact for them as their players are ready for this important meeting.

“Even all of our players are also ready for what should be an exciting match.

“I know my teammates are eager to make the most of this match. I hope we can make our mark in the European qualifiers, especially as we now play with the leaders of Group A,” he said

“I am confident our team will be able to correct mistakes from the previous match. We are determined to deliver a good performance. It will be a high-intensity match.

“We are not afraid of the Portugal national team as we know their strengths and weaknesses. For the upcoming matches, we know we have the challenge to compete with the big teams,” he said.