DOHA: Home side Qatar will be aiming to keep their unbeaten streak
intact when they take on China in Thursday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup/2019
AFC Asian Cup joint-qualifier.

Qatar not only boast a 100% record at the half-way stage they are also
the top scorers in the joint-qualifiers averaging over six goals a
game thanks to a 15-0 hammering of Bhutan earlier last month.

China must approach the joint-qualifier with a positive mindset and
forget about their poor World Cup qualifying record against the Gulf
side if they are to claim the victory that will take them top of Group
C.

China have won just once in seven FIFA World Cup qualifiers against
Qatar – a 3-0 home win in the campaign to reach Asia’s first hosting
of the tournament in 2002 – although can take solace in the fact that
they have not lost in Doha, having played out 1-1 draws in the
qualifiers for France 98 and Japan/Korea 2002 before a goalless
stalemate on the road to South Africa 2010.

Historical precedence aside, China also currently trail the undefeated
Al Annabi by two points after Yu and his team-mates were held to a
goalless draw by Hong Kong.

In-form striker Yu Dabao said China can take control of Group C if
they approach the game without fear.

“I have played against Qatar and for me, they are no better than us,”
the 27-year-old, who has scored four times in the qualifiers so far.

“We should prepare ourselves by feeling strong. We are capable of
getting three points on their soil.”

Qatar, coached by Daniel Carreno, have beaten the Maldives, Bhutan and
Hong Kong in their games so far.