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Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s second successive FIFA World Cup group-stage exit may have brought a disappointing end to their campaign in North America, but head coach Julen Lopetegui believes the tournament has laid another important foundation for the future of Qatari football.
Al Annabi bowed out after a 3-1 defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina in a must-win Group B clash in Seattle on Wednesday, finishing bottom of the group with one point. A 1-1 draw against group winners Switzerland earned Qatar their first-ever World Cup point, while a heavy 6-0 loss to co-hosts Canada exposed the challenges facing a side competing on football’s biggest stage.
Yet Lopetegui insisted Qatar’s World Cup journey should be judged on a broader scale, particularly after qualifying for the tournament through the qualifiers for the first time. Their previous appearance came as hosts of the 2022 World Cup.
“The greatest achievement was accomplished even before the tournament began, when the Qatari national team qualified for the World Cup for the first time in its history through the qualifiers,” the Spaniard said.
“Simply being among the best teams in the world is an achievement in itself, especially since many big teams were unable to reach the finals, while the Qatari team succeeded in securing its place with merit and deservingness.”
While disappointed with the result against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Lopetegui backed his players and highlighted the character they showed after falling two goals behind.
“We didn’t start the match ideally. We conceded two goals due to the high quality of the Bosnian wingers, who possess extensive experience gained from playing in major European leagues. We didn’t handle some situations well, and we made mistakes that led to us falling behind,” he said.
“We showed a very good reaction in the last 15 minutes of the first half, controlling possession and threatening the opponent’s goal until we managed to reduce the deficit after a well-coordinated tactical move.
“We continued to dominate in the second half, controlling the game and creating numerous chances that could have brought the match back to square one.”
More importantly for the coach, the tournament reinforced his belief that Qatar are moving in the right direction despite another early exit.
“The big teams did not reach where they are today overnight, but rather went through different stages of development and gaining experience, and this is the same thing that Qatari football is currently experiencing at the global level,” Lopetegui said.
“The players proved during the tournament their ability to compete and play with a strong character against teams with a greater history and experience, which gives everyone confidence in the future and the team’s ability to achieve more accomplishments in the coming years.”
He added that the team’s biggest takeaway from the tournament was the belief that sustained progress remains possible.
“The most important message the team took away from this participation is that big dreams can be achieved through work, determination and proper planning.”
“Never before had we won a point at a World Cup. And never before had we had a match where we competed on equal terms with an opponent and arguably deserved more. The most important thing now is for the young players in Qatar to learn from the experienced players in this squad. Unfortunately, many of those senior players are nearing the end of their careers and I do not know if this was their last match for the national team.”
“The younger generation must take their example and learn from their professionalism and behaviour. Hopefully, that will help Qatar have another opportunity like this in the future.”
Forward Ahmed Alaaeldin echoed that sentiment, describing the tournament as another valuable step in the development of a generation still gaining experience at the highest level.
“For us as players, the Qatar 2022 World Cup was a very important milestone in our careers. We learned a lot from that experience, not only on the field, but also in how to deal with the big atmosphere, the high pressures and the great responsibilities that such tournaments impose,” he said.
“Every tournament we participate in gives us something new. Experience doesn’t come in a day, but through continuous competition, exposure, and playing big matches. What we gain today will be an important asset for the coming years.”
Alaaeldin added representing Qatar at the World Cup remained a source of immense pride despite the disappointment of elimination.
“We are proud of what we experienced in this tournament, and even more proud that we represented Qatar in the biggest sporting event in the world. What has been achieved is not the end of the road, but a new step in the journey of Qatari football towards the future and always the best.”
