Qatar head coach Julen Lopetegui
Doha, Qatar: Head coach Julen Lopetegui praised Qatar’s mentality and discipline after Al Annabi secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup point with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Switzerland, insisting his side must now quickly turn their attention to another challenge against co-hosts Canada.
Breel Embolo’s first-half penalty looked set to condemn Qatar to defeat as Switzerland dominated and made 26 attempts across the two halves. But Al Annabi refused to buckle, and four minutes into stoppage time Miro Muheim bundled the ball into his own net under pressure from Boualem Khoukhi to hand Qatar a historic first World Cup point.
For Lopetegui, the result represented another landmark moment in Qatar’s football journey.
“It was already historic just being here. To get a point against Switzerland, who for me are one of the best teams in Europe right now, really solid, with continuity with their coach and top players from top leagues, is important,” the Spanish coach said.
“For that to happen, you need a set of circumstances like those in the match. We were able to survive difficult moments, we didn’t lose composure when behind, which was important, and at the end we got the reward with that goal which gave us that point which had never existed.”
Switzerland dominated for long periods while Qatar relied heavily on goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada, who produced a string of outstanding saves to keep his team in contention.
Lopetegui revealed his side had anticipated a difficult evening against opponents renowned for their defensive organisation.
“We had to be prepared. We analysed the Swiss team, as they only conceded two goals in their European qualifying campaign, and we knew they had high quality,” he said.
Lopetegui was particularly proud of the character shown by his players regardless of the outcome.
“I am very proud of the team,” he said.
“I told them that even if we hadn’t scored the goal and didn’t draw, I would have been proud of the mentality and discipline that they showed today. But fortunately we scored and that was history.”
Attention has now shifted to Canada’s visit in Vancouver where Qatar will chase a first-ever World Cup victory. The match will take place on June 19 (1am, Qatar time).
“The next match will be the most difficult because it is against Canada, one of the host countries, and they will be playing in front of their fans,” Lopetegui said.
“We must be well prepared after recovery, especially since the players have exerted a great deal of effort.”
Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada celebrates after the match.
Canada drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opening match.
Abunada, named Man of the Match after his heroic display, shared his coach’s optimism heading into Qatar’s second Group B fixture.
“The team performed admirably during the second half and the players showed a high fighting spirit,” Abunada said.
“We have confidence in our ability to deliver the best performances during the World Cup matches.”
The goalkeeper said that Qatar is getting more experience playing at the global level, which will help them in the future.
“We are capable of delivering what satisfies expectations in this second participation in the World Cup, especially since many of the players have the experience and ability to play against big teams with high quality.”
Abunada also praised the travelling supporters.
“The fans played a major role in motivating the players and pushing them to achieve a positive result,” he said.
Meanwhile, Switzerland coach Murat Yakin insisted his side had only themselves to blame after surrendering victory in stoppage time.
“We have nothing to reproach ourselves for in terms of the way we played,” he said.
“We got into good positions and created good chances, but we weren’t clinical enough. I think we need to work on our precision and our belief.”
Captain Granit Xhaka echoed his coach’s frustration, admitting the Swiss lost patience while chasing a second goal.
“If you don’t take your chances, they’ll come back to bite you,” Xhaka said. “At 1-0, we have to be experienced enough to see out the game.”
