Troussier counts on empty terraces against Iran tomorrow

MEF -  Qatar manager Philippe Troussier believes playing behind closed doors against Iran on Wednesday will have a negative impact on the hoe side, as Qatar take on the Gulf giants in World Cup Asian zone Group A qualifiers.

“This must surely play in our favour. Iranian fans are amongst the most vibrant in the world and playing behind closed doors comes at the very right time,” Troussier told Qatari media in Tehran.

Iran were penalized by the AFC by playing three home fixtures without fans, following fireworks troubles against North Korea in the Asian Cup qualifiers which ended with the visitors leaving the pitch midway through the second-half.

“I have a broad image of their squad, they are now witnessing a transitional phase but still count on 5 stars playing their club football in Germany and the United Arab Emirates,” added the French manager.

“We do also have a young and talented side, and we all know that the first outing is a capital one at all levels of the game.

“A win for us would be a great start to build on for the rest of the qualifiers, and I got all my players having a string willing to do the needful,” he concluded.