Coach Julen Lopetegui reacts during the warm-up match against El Salvador.
Doha, Qatar: Julen Lopetegui expressed satisfaction with Qatar’s performance in their final World Cup warm-up match against El Salvador, saying the goalless draw provided valuable lessons as Al Annabi enter the final week of preparations for their opening Group B clash against Switzerland.
Qatar wrapped up their pre-tournament programme with a 0-0 draw at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Ireland in Dublin in their first friendly.
Lopetegui said the match against El Salvador offered another important opportunity for his players to adapt to conditions they will encounter during the tournament.
“It was a tough game. The conditions were very humid, but that’s exactly what we will face in a week’s time when the World Cup begins. It was important for us to experience that environment and get used to it as quickly as possible,” the Qatar coach told Alkass after the match.
“We played against a team that faced Republic of Korea four days ago and only lost 1-0. They competed very well and are much more accustomed to these conditions. Even so, I think we put in a very good effort.”
Qatar players during the match against El Salvador.
Lopetegui was encouraged by several aspects of the performance but stressed there was still work to be done before Qatar begin their campaign against one of the strongest teams in the competition.
“There were plenty of positives to take from the match. We have improved, and that’s one of the reasons we are here. These final few days are about reaching our best physical and tactical level and being mentally ready for our first major challenge.” he said.
Qatar meet Switzerland on June 13 - Al Annabi’s toughest assignment in Group B. The Swiss arrive with a squad packed with players competing at the highest level in European football and are considered favourites to top the group.
Lopetegui made no attempt to downplay the scale of the task awaiting his side.
“I think that we will play against maybe one of the biggest teams in the World Cup. I know what I’m saying about Switzerland. They are a very, very good team, and we have to be ready to compete against them and perform at our best. That’s why we are working so hard.”
Asked about his thoughts heading into the opening match, the Spaniard said every aspect of Switzerland’s game demanded attention.
“My concern is everything. We are going to face a very, very good team - physically, technically and tactically.
“They have many players who compete in the Champions League, so we have to be ready. For us, it is a huge challenge.
“We must understand the difficulties we will face and know exactly what we need to do to compete with them. That is our objective.”
Lopetegui fielded largely similar formations in both friendlies but indicated that decisions regarding his starting line-up and tactical approach for Switzerland are still under consideration.
“We can still make changes. We made a few adjustments at half-time as well. We have to analyse many details over the coming week before making the best decisions. Our first opponents will be one of the strongest teams at the World Cup.”
He also highlighted the importance of adapting to different match schedules. Unlike Qatar, where domestic and international fixtures are usually played in the evening, Al Annabi will have to cope with afternoon kick-offs during the World Cup.
“Today’s match will give us plenty to analyse so we can improve the small details that still need attention. Above all, it was important to adapt to the environment, the humidity and the kick-off time. We will play at midday, so we have to be fully prepared.”
After Switzerland, Qatar will face co-hosts Canada on June 18, with the match kicking off in the early hours of June 19 Qatar time, before concluding the group stage against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 24.
Having qualified for the World Cup through the traditional route for the first time in their history, Qatar arrive with hopes of reaching the knockout stage for the first time after exiting the 2022 tournament without a point.
