Al Arabi not impressed by Kroupi

According to Qatari Newspapers, Al Arabi will not sign Ivoirian attacker Elli Kroupi who spend the last couple of days in trials with the club.

Al Arabi's Portoguese coach Jose Romao told the club's management that he do not need an attacking midfielder at the current time.

Kroupi (28 years) played a single international for Ivory coast in 2005. He started his professional career in 1997 with the French side Rennes, he also player for Lorient and Nancy before joining Italian Serie B side Arezzo at the start of this season. Last season he had a short loan spell with Saudi Club Al wehda but also didn't make his mark.

National: Team arrived in Damascus

The Qatari national team arrived in Damascus on Friday where they are scheduled to meet the Syrian National team in a friendly on Sunday.

Both teams are preparing for the 2010 world cup qualifying campaign which starts on February 6th.

The Qatari team will be hoping to produce a good show and record their first win in 2008, after their first outing this year (last Thursday) saw them drawing 0-0 against Iran in Doha.

The team will miss the services of their Brazilian born players Marconi and Fabio due to Injuries suffered during the Iran game. Also Sebastian Suria did not make it back from vacation yet, and Sayed Ali Basheer and Talal Al Baloushi already sidelined by injuries.