Doha, September 03 (QNA) - The Qatar senior national volleyball team will play its fifth friendly match Thursday, against its Ukrainian counterpart, as part of the final preparations for the last stage of its domestic training camp in Doha ahead of the World Championship, which will be hosted by the Philippines from Sep. 12 to 28.

The team has already played four friendly matches against Egypt and Iran. The fourth match ended in a draw with Iran, while the third match saw the Iranian team prevail by three sets to one.

The Qatari team also played two friendly matches against Egypt on August 25 and 26, both ending in a draw with two sets for each team.

The technical staff, led by Argentine coach Camilo Soto, ensured that all players participated during the four sets against Iran, aiming to give everyone a chance to play and to test various tactical approaches before entering the global competition.

The Ukrainian team has arrived in Doha and conducted its training sessions in preparation for facing the Qatari team Thursday, and on the 6th and 7th of this month, before heading to the Philippine capital, Manila, on the 9th to participate in the World Championship.

The draw for the World Championship placed the Qatari volleyball team in Group B alongside Poland, the world’s top-ranked team and reigning champion, as well as the Netherlands and Romania, a group described as one of the toughest.

Qatar will begin its campaign by facing the Netherlands on Sep. 13, followed by Poland on Sep. 15, and concluding the first round against Romania on Sep. 17. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Round of 16.

This marks the Qatari volleyball team’s second appearance in the World Championship finals, following its debut in the 2022 edition held in Poland and Slovenia, an experience that provides the players with a valuable boost to refine their skills before facing top international teams. (QNA)