The Peninsula
Asian champions Qatar have been preparing for their debut appearance at the FIFA World Cup for years. With their groups opponents decided after yesterday’s Final Draw, head coach Felix Sanchez said the team will enter the tournament with the best possible preparations.
Qatar were drawn with the Netherlands, Ecuador and African champions Senegal in Group A, and will kick off the World Cup on November 21 with the opening game against Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium.
Al Annabi’s group looks relatively easy but Sanchez said there were no easy teams in the World Cup.
“Any group, any team will be very, very tough for us,” the Qatar coach told reporters after the Final Draw.
“You have to see the FIFA ranking or the history of each of the teams that are here. So we know that is very challenging team. But I think we need to be proud to be here today in this ceremony. We know our group now. So what we’re going to try to do from now on is to start prepare for these three games in the best way and try to be as much competitive as we can,” he added.
Sanchez termed the opening match against Ecuador crucial.
“We will try to show the best level in front of our people. I think that’s the most important [game]. The first game in a tournament is always the most important,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ecuador coach Gustavo Alfaro said returning to the World Cup after missing the last edition will be a happy moment for his side.
“I am excited we are playing against Qatar in the opening match. I am happy Ecuador will be competing at the biggest stage of football after missing out from the last World Cup in Russia,” said Alfaro.
“My past experience in coaching Saudi Arabia has helped understand the GCC football better, which will be useful for our World Cup preparations.” He also lauded Qatar’s readiness to host the World Cup.
“Qatar has gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure it’s ready to host the World Cup, whether in terms of hotels or the infrastructure in general. Belgium, Brazil, the Netherlands and France are the top contenders for the title,” he said.