Doha: The Qatar senior national volleyball team is gearing up for its fifth friendly match against Ukraine on Thursday, marking a crucial phase in its final preparations ahead of the World Championship. This match is part of the last stage of the team’s domestic training camp in Doha, as they ready themselves for the competition set to be hosted in the Philippines from September 12 to 28.

According to Qatar News Agency, the team has previously engaged in four friendly matches, facing off against Egypt and Iran. The most recent match against Iran concluded in a draw, while the Iranian side claimed victory in the third match by three sets to one. The encounters with Egypt, held on August 25 and 26, both resulted in draws, with each team securing two sets.

Under the guidance of Argentine coach Camilo Soto, the technical staff utilized these matches to involve all players and experiment with different tactical strategies, ensuring that the team is well-prepared to compete on the global stage.

The Ukrainian team has already arrived in Doha, where they have been conducting training sessions in anticipation of the upcoming matches against Qatar on Thursday, as well as on the 6th and 7th of this month. Following these matches, the Ukrainian team will depart for Manila on the 9th to participate in the World Championship.

The World Championship draw has placed Qatar in Group B, alongside Poland, the top-ranked team globally and the reigning champion, as well as the Netherlands and Romania. This grouping is considered particularly challenging, with Qatar set to commence their campaign against the Netherlands on September 13, followed by a match against Poland on September 15, and concluding the first round against Romania on September 17. Success in the group stage will see the top two teams advance to the Round of 16.

This World Championship marks Qatar’s second appearance in the finals, following their debut in the 2022 edition held in Poland and Slovenia, providing the team with valuable experience and an opportunity to further hone their skills against elite international competition.