Qatar Not Expecting Gifts as They Chase World Cup Dream, Says Lopetegui

Qatar's football coach Julen Lopetegui emphasized that his team is not expecting any favors as they prepare for the World Cup, focusing instead on delivering a performance that honors their fans. Four years after hosting the tournament with a winless and goal-less record, Qatar has earned its place in North America through its own qualifying efforts.

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When we arrived here one year ago more or less, our goal was (qualification). Our dream was that. Inshallah, we achieved it. With the help of this group. They made history.

"When we arrived here one year ago more or less, our goal was (qualification). Our dream was that. Inshallah, we achieved it. With the help of this group. They made history," Lopetegui told reporters. "Now we don't want to stop. We know the kind of opponents we face. We know that we are at the World Cup but we want to follow our dream."

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Now we don't want to stop. We know the kind of opponents we face. We know that we are at the World Cup but we want to follow our dream.

Lopetegui stressed a pragmatic approach: "In the same way, (we're) thinking that no-one gives us presents here. Now we want to be able to be as competitive as possible, starting with the first match tomorrow." Qatar, the reigning Asian champions, are aiming to secure their first World Cup points in a group that also includes Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their preparation has been impacted by regional conflicts, leading to the cancellation of friendly matches against Serbia and Argentina in March.

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In the same way, (we're) thinking that no-one gives us presents here. Now we want to be able to be as competitive as possible, starting with the first match tomorrow.

The team's buildup included a 1-0 loss to Ireland and a 0-0 draw against El Salvador. Lopetegui, coaching a World Cup team for the first time since his controversial dismissal as Spain manager in 2018, expressed no complaints about the preparations, stating the team must adapt. He declined to single out any Swiss players, calling the team "very, very strong." Qatar captain Hassan Al Haydos, who returned from retirement for the tournament, acknowledged the lessons learned from the 2022 experience, promising the team would "do our best and come out in a positive way."

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I think Switzerland is a very, very strong team. Most of them are top players. I don't want to talk about one, I would have to talk about all of them.