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'We have the right to dream': Qatar keep faith after crucial draw

From CNA · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Qatar secured their first World Cup point with a 1-1 draw against Switzerland, thanks to a late equalizer.
  • Coach Julen Lopetegui stated the team has the right to keep dreaming of success in the tournament.
  • The team's disciplined defensive strategy was key, absorbing pressure and resisting Swiss attacks.

Qatar has earned the right to continue dreaming at the World Cup after captain Boualem Khoukhi's stoppage-time equalizer secured a 1-1 draw against Switzerland, earning the team their first-ever point in the tournament. Coach Julen Lopetegui expressed pride in the team's achievement and their continued aspirations.

We achieved one dream when we arrived here, to be here, and now today is another little dream. And we have the right to continue having the dream.

— Julen LopeteguiReflecting on the significance of Qatar's first World Cup point and their aspirations in the tournament.

Khoukhi headed home Homam Ahmed's cross in the 94th minute, canceling out Breel Embolo's first-half penalty. This late goal leveled the score and placed all four teams in Group B on equal footing after the first round of matches. Lopetegui emphasized that reaching the World Cup was a dream, and this result represented another step towards their ambitions.

We made very few changes, but we had to keep our plan because if you... want to open too early against a team like Switzerland, you will suffer a lot.

— Julen LopeteguiExplaining the team's defensive strategy against Switzerland.

The late goal sparked jubilant celebrations among Qatar's players, who had spent much of the match defending against relentless Swiss pressure. Switzerland registered 26 attempts on goal compared to Qatar's seven. Lopetegui credited his team's adherence to their game plan, maintaining a compact and disciplined defense even after conceding the early penalty.

We believe, we work, we resist, we are resilient. In the end, we have one big award for us.

— Julen LopeteguiDescribing the team's mentality and effort during the match.

Lopetegui praised his players' mentality and resilience, stating he would have been proud of their effort regardless of the dramatic equalizer. He noted the physical demands of the match and the need for recovery before their next game against co-hosts Canada, acknowledging that his players may require more time to adapt to the World Cup's intense rhythm. Despite the challenges, Lopetegui affirmed that Qatar's campaign remains alive and they have won the right to compete further.

I was very proud about the mentality, about the discipline that they showed today.

— Julen LopeteguiPraising the players' performance and mindset during the game.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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