DOHA: Tintin Marquez warned his Qatar team they face a “very difficult opponent” against Tajikistan on Wednesday at the Asian Cup, urging his players to score early as they look to seal a last-16 berth.
Ranked 106th and playing in their first Asian Cup, Tajikistan impressed many in their opening game against China, piling on pressure but having to settle for a 0-0 draw.
Hosts and champions Qatar eased past Lebanon 3-0, but coach Marquez said his side would be wary of their opponents´ threat. “We believe that we are going to be facing a very difficult opponent,” he said Tuesday.
“They have players that are very fast and speedy.” Marquez, whose team are seeking to wrap up their place in the knockout rounds after only two games, said the trick would be for Qatar to score early to ease the pressure. “When you do so, the match will not get so complex,” he added. Goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham was equally insistent that the hosts were in for a tough match.
