QATAR - The hosts are ready

After 12 years of planning, host nation Qatar are ready for their first-ever World Cup finals

WORLD SOCCER - WORLD CUP SPECIAL 2022

Twelve years of preparation, and arguably more than that, have led to this November. Rarely has there been such pressure or scrutiny on a host nation. Off the pitch, there have been major concerns about workers’ rights, and more besides, as new stadiums and infrastructure were built. On it, it is all about whether a tiny country that has never appeared at the World Cup before can avoid being only the second host nation, after South Africa in 2010, to fall at the first hurdle.

There are reasons to be confident. The Maroon won the 2019 Asian Cup in style, scoring 19 goals and conceding just once, defeating giants such as South Korea and Japan along the way, and the fact that it came at the home of rivals United Arab Emirates was even more impressive.

Desperate for competitive international action in the build-up to the World Cup, Qatar went to the 2019 Copa America as well as the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, when they won their group and were denied a place in the final only due to a1-0 defeat against the United States. Indeed, striker Almoez Ali has the distinction of being top scorer in two continental tournaments – one in Asia, one in North America. They even participated in UEFA and Asian qualifying for their own World Cup. Results in friendlies have been mixed but the team has travelled the globe and played many games.

Just like the South Korea team of 2002, the last time the tournament came to Asia, there is a club-like atmosphere among the national team. Many of the players came up through the various age levels together, as has the coach Felix Sanchez who is also a mentor.

With all the squad now playing their club football at home, there are understandable worries about how their biggest and best stars are not playing at the highest level. But then opening-game opponents Ecuador are hardly veterans at this level either and that match will likely prove to be crucial. Win that and the second round is within touching distance. Much will depend on how the Qatari players, coach, media and fans handle all the attention and pressure ahead of the tournament’s opening game.

Still, they should most certainly not be underestimated. There is a strong spine, a well-coached team and an excellent build-up. Some of their opponents will arrive just days before kick-off in the middle of their domestic seasons. The hosts will have had their national team players training together since June. The preparation that started 12 years ago is still going strong.

John Duerden

FELIX SANCHEZ

What are your reflections on the draw – Ecuador, Netherlands and Senegal?

We knew that any group and any team would be very, very tough for us. You only have to see the FIFA ranking or the history of each of the teams that are here. So we know that they are all very challenging teams. But I think we need to be proud to be here. We now know our opponents, so what we’re going to try to do from now on is to start to prepare for these three games in the best way and try to be as competitive as we can.

How do you think your training camp went ahead of the World Cup?

It was a long time but it was what we planned: to train in good weather conditions and to try to prepare the team well. We’re confident it was good preparation; improving every day to try to be at our best for November 20.

As the host nation, you’ll be playing the opening game of the tournament.

We’ve played Ecuador before, so 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 because it gives you the feeling how the team will perform during the competition.

And what are your thoughts on that game and being part of the opening ceremony?

It’s going to be a big day for the country. Qatar’s first World Cup, and in Qatar, so it’s unique. People have to enjoy this moment and I hope they will cheer for the team.

TACTICS

Tiki-taka in the Gulf

Sanchez has his side welldrilled and organised and the Spanish influence is apparent in the fluidity of the team when it attacks – and Qatar like to attack whenever possible, and understandably so: they are better going forward than defending. They were top scorers at the 2019 Asian Cup and the 2021 Gold Cup.

The formation tends to be 5-3-2 when defending, which seamlessly moves into a 3-5-2 when going forward. Happy to press high, they can be pragmatic when coming up against stronger opposition. The fact that they all play at home and as many as half play for Al Sadd, and were coached by Xavi before he left for Barcelona, means that Qatar should be one of the most cohesive teams.

Much depends on the form and fitness of the forward pairing, goalscorer Almoez Ali and Akram Afif, the creative heart of the team. The pair have an impressive understanding when they are on song, and it is hoped that this will make up for some defensive deficiencies. The three centre-backs can be pulled out of position and there is also a vulnerability to crosses and set-pieces. Although plenty of time has been spent on the training pitch trying to fix this, some displays in the build-up have been less than impressive

COACH

Felix SANCHEZ (Spa)

Age 46 (13.12.75)

Appointed July 2017

A Barca youth coach when he got the call from Qatar in 2006 and started work at Doha’s Aspire Academy. Took over the U19 team in 2013 and then the U23s and the senior side four years later. It was expected that he would work with the team until a couple of years out from the World Cup when a big-name coach would take over. That has not happened due to the job he has done. He won the Asian U19 title in 2014 and then landed the big one, the Asian Cup, in 2019. Sanchez knows the players better than anyone, is a mentor, and that could be crucial.

THE VIEW FROM QATAR

“Fans are hoping for a miracle but up front no one can replace Afif and Almoez. 

They will need to be in top form if Qatar want to score goals, 

and if the team don’t solve the defensive problems they showed during the European qualifiers campaign, 

it will be difficult to achieve anything at the World Cup.”
    - Mohamed El-Gharbawy, Football Qatar

“Qatar will have home support but are  in a tough group. 

If Qatar’s opening  game against Ecuador turns out to be a positive result then coach Felix Sanchez 

and his men can expect wonders, but the home side will have to be really good at this level.” 

    - Mohammad Amin, Stad Doha