Iranian international player Ashkan Dejagah believes that Qatar football team is in a good condition and may cause problems for Iran in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying stage.

“Over the last four years Qatar football has improved a lot in every aspect. I believe they are a strong opponent and have a good chance of qualifying for the World Cup. South Korea is the favorite, China is tough to beat at home while Uzbekistan is a complicated team so we’re not in an easy group,”Dejagah said.

“We are going to take the three points in the first step against Qatar at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium in order to make a strong start and make our fans happy,” he added.

“I’ll never forget my first international goal for Iran in February 2012. It was against Qatar and the game finished 2-2,” former Fulham player added.

The Persians will play Qatar in the first game of 2018 World Cup qualification third round on September 1 while it has to face China five days later in Shenyang, more than 6,000 kilometer away.

Iran has been drawn in Group A of the World Cup qualification along with Uzbekistan, China, Qatar and Syria.

SG