We have the right to continue dreaming

Today, Sunday, Qatar national team coach Julen Lopetegui told reporters, “We achieved a dream when we arrived here, which is to be here, and today we achieved another small dream,” and he added, “We have the right to continue the dream,” after captain Boualem Khoukhi snatched a goal in the dead time that led the team to a 1-1 draw with Switzerland, so that Qatar would score its first point in the tournament.

The teams in Group Two were equal with one point each after Canada tied 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina yesterday, Friday. But Lopetegui believes that the importance of the result goes beyond the group’s ranking table.

The Spanish coach told reporters, “We achieved a dream when we arrived here, which was to be here, and today we achieved another small dream.”

The late goal sparked loud celebrations among the Qatari players after they spent most of the match confronting the Swiss offensive pressure, as Switzerland recorded 26 attempts on goal compared to seven attempts by Qatar.

Lopetegui said that his team never abandoned the game plan, even after falling behind in the 17th minute.

He added, “We made very few changes, but we had to stick to our plan because if… you open the game too early against a team like the Swiss national team, you will suffer a lot.”

The Qatar national team remained cohesive and disciplined, and continued to defend with large numbers instead of attacking, a strategy that Lopetegui said was necessary against a team that includes first-level talent in all positions.

“We believe, we work, we resist, and we are persistent,” he said.

Lopetegui particularly praised the mentality of his players, saying that he would have been proud of their efforts even if Khouji had not scored the thrilling equaliser.

“I was very proud of the mentality and discipline they showed today,” he said.

Lopetegui quickly turned his attention to the match scheduled for Thursday against Canada, the co-host of the tournament, warning that recovery would be crucial after a physically exhausting match.

Qatar has one day less than Canada to recover, and the team must travel before the match, while a number of the team’s players are still adapting to the requirements of participating in the World Cup.

The coach said, “Our players sometimes need more time than the rest of the players because they are not accustomed to a rhythm of this kind.”

He added, “We have to make a great effort to recover well and prepare for the next big challenge.”

But at the present time, Qatar’s journey is still continuing, and Lopetegui said, “It will be difficult and arduous… but we have earned our right.”