Two planes full for Qatar fan charter to Bahrain

Qatar team can look up at the stands for extra motivation at the Bahrain National stadium tonight when they play the hosts in their crucial opening tie of the Asian zone third round qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup.

There will be chants of Qatar supporters competing against that of the home crowd as more than 500 local football fans are expected to travel to Bahrain today on two Qatar Airways flights, chartered by the Qatar Football Association.

“The fans always have a crucial role in the team’s performance. This is a very important game, which could set the train for the remaining ties in this round of qualifying,” said Saud al-Mohannadi, the QFA general secretary. “As Qatar aim to qualify for the fourth stage we made this appeal to Qatar fans to lend their support to the team as they have always done.”

Qatar currently sit 12 places above Bahrain at 88th in the FIFA rankings, but their hosts hold a 9-7 edge going into today’s match. Qatar, whose last victory against Bahrain was in February 2004, face more difficult task three days later when they host another Group E rivals Iran on September 6. Indonesia are the other team in the group.

The QFA had called on the local football fans, those who wish to travel, to register their names with its marketing department, offering free transport and tickets to the match. “The response from the fans was overwhelming despite the match being held during the Eid,” said Khaled al-Kuwari, the QFA marketing director. “We have made all arrangements for our travelling fans,” confirmed al-Kuwari. “All the registered fans have been notified of the travel itinerary.”