In their second Asian Cup game, Qatar will face Tajikistan on 17 January.
Tajikistan vs Qatar: Betting odds
Here is how bookie Betobet rates Tajikistan's and Qatar's chances to win tomorrow:
Tajikistan - 9.3
Draw - 4.5
Qatar - 1.35
Tajikistan
Tajikistan have qualified for the Asian Cup for the first time in history. That's down to the general development of football in the country.
The captain is Parvizdzhon Umarbaev, an attacking midfielder from CSKA Sofia. In 46 international games, he has scored nine goals. Other key members of the team are striker Shakhrom Samiev from Milsami Orhei (Moldova) and midfielder Komron Tursunov from Gokulam Kerala (India).
In their first cup game, Tajikistan drew 0-0 with China. Under Croatian tactician Petar Segrt who used to coach Georgia, Afganistan and Maldives they are on a six-game undefeated streak.
Qatar
Qatar's Asian Cup opener was a confident 3-0 win against Lebanon. They dominated the game from start to finish, surpassing Lebanon in possession and pitch control.
A win against Tajikistan will most likely take Qatar to the play-offs before the end of the group stage. However, Tajikistan are a tougher nut to crack, their defence is better than Lebanon's and the bulk of the team plays at the same club, Istiklol, so there is no problem with team chemistry and understanding.
Tajikistan vs Qatar: Facts to know
Tajikistan have been unbeaten in their last six games.
Qatar have scored at least three goals in four of their last five games.
Tajikistan vs Qatar: Head-to-head
The two teams have met just once - it was a friendly game in February 2006. Qatar won 2-0 that time. The upcoming game will be their first official match.
Tajikistan vs Qatar: Prediction
Qatar beat Lebanon confidently but winning against Tajikistan should be a tougher task. We believe they will still win but the goal difference is not going to be huge. More likely, Qatar will get the victory by a single-goal difference.
