Addressing a meeting attended by the national team and its technical staff on Sunday, HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, president of the Qatar Football Association, has urged the players to intensify preparations for their 29 February World Cup qualifier against Iran and book one of the group’s two qualifying tickets.

His Excellency said his visit was aimed at boosting the players’ moral before the anticipated encounter, especially after the recent managerial change which saw Brazilian Paulo Autuori took over reigns at the Qatari bench replacing compatriot Sebastiao Lazaroni.

The meeting was also attended by National Teams Committee Director, Mr. Manasour Al Ansari and SNational Team Director Mr. Abdulramann Al Mahmoud.