The Peninsula
Qatar’s head coach Felix Sanchez has said his ranks have gained valuable experience by playing the European Qualifiers that will help his side at the upcoming FIFA Arab Cup at home.
The Asian champions drew Azerbaijan 2-2 in Baku in their last match of the European Qualifiers on Sunday. It was a better performance from Al Annabi, who suffered consecutive defeats to Portugal, Ireland and Serbia ahead of the match against Azerbaijan.
However, Qatar will enter the Arab Cup – starting on November 30 – with an eight-match winless streak that includes two drawn matches.
But, Sanchez is confident that his Asian Cup 2019 champions will live up to expectations of home fans, saying difficult matches against tough European sides have given team solid preparations.
“We are on the right path, and we have 15 days before the Arab Cup. We will continue to work, and we must reach the tournament with full readiness,” the Qatar coach said after match against Azerbaijan.
“Participation in the European qualifiers was very useful in all respects, and in general we gained great experiences through contact with strong international teams. The level is to be fully prepared for the 2022 World Cup,” he added.
On Sunday, striker Almoez Ali scored a brace to help Qatar draw with Azerbaijan 2-2 in an enthralling tie. Qatar took the lead but were trailing 2-1 at one stage before Almoez struck an equaliser in 77th minute.
“We started well, but unfortunately we made mistakes and conceded two goals. We must avoid this scenario in the future, but overall the team performed well. We were able to come back, which is a very important point and we must adhere to that positive mentality,” he added.
Qatar are in Group A of the FIFA Arab Cup along with Bahrain, Oman and Iraq. They will take on Bahrain in their opening match of Al Bayt Stadium – a FIFA World Cup venue. A total of six World Cup venues will host matches of Arab Cup, the final of which is scheduled on December 18 – the Qatar National Day.