SANCHEZ: QATAR WILL CONTINUE TO PROGRESS DESPITE EXIT
QATAR head coach Felix Sanchez described the FIFA World Cup 2022 as a ‘great World Cup’ in the wake of his side’s 3-1 loss against Senegal - and subsequent elimination - in Group
A at Al Thumama Stadium.
Mohammed Muntari scored Qatar’s first ever goal in the tournament, but it proved to be the only bright light with each of Boulaye Dia, Famara Diedhiou and Bamba Dieng all striking as the African champions came out with the win, although they had to withstand a barrage of Qatari attacks when they were 2-0 up. Qatar’s elimination was confirmed later on Friday following a 1-1 draw between Netherlands and Ecuador.
“We are aware of how tough this competition is, we wanted to go far but we have some limitations in our country,” said Sanchez., who led Qatar to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup title.
“We play in a local league, but we have made a great effort. Expectations were to give good performances and organise a good World Cup. We wanted to show what we can do on the pitch. Most of the opponents are ahead of us but the players performed very well. Some moments we managed to compete.”
Qatar made a nervy start to the tournament in an openingday defeat to Ecuador but put up more of a fight against Senegal.
The hosts refused to lie down when Senegal scored either side of half-time and pulled a goal back through substitute Muntari to set up a dramatic finale.
Senegal nipped the comeback in the bud with a third goal six minutes later, but Sanchez was pleased with his team’s fighting spirit.“We want this to be a great World Cup at all levels. That’s what we are experiencing – a great World Cup, full stadiums and good matches. We are very happy with the attendance. I think they really supported us and we’re very proud of our fans who came here to show their support through the game.
“It’s our first World Cup participation. If we could take part in it again, great.”
With a tie pitting Qatar against the Netherlands coming up on Tuesday, a game which will be Qatar’s first FIFA World Cup test against European opposition, Sanchez remained optimistic that his team can still deliver.
“We have a very tough game ahead of us,” Sanchez said. “We intend to be competitive. We cannot miss a chance like this to play against the Netherlands, so our plan, the goal is to play a good game. We will be facing a team that hopes to go far in the World Cup. The key here is this country has a goal in mind. The World Cup will finish, but football will continue here.
“We want to keep developing talent, keep competing.”
We wanted to show what we can do on the pitch. Most of the opponents are ahead of us but the players performed very well. Some moments we managed to compete.
Qatar coach Felix Sanchez