Qatar players during a training session in the US.
Doha, Qatar: After a shock defeat to Haiti in their opening match, Qatar face an uphill task of reaching the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-finals with Honduras and eight-time champions Mexico up next against them in Group B. But the reigning Asian champions are hopeful of turning things around in their bid to reach far in the 16-team tournament.
A stoppage-time goal cost Carlos Queiroz’s men a 2-1 defeat to Haiti on Sunday, leaving them in a must-win situation when they face Honduras on Friday and CONCACAF giants Mexico in their final group game on July 3.
Queiroz is keeping his fingers crossed, hoping Al Annabi to bounce back and enter the quarter-finals. Qatar reached the semi-finals in their debut appearance in the tournament two years ago.
“The opportunity to qualify [for the quarter-finals] still exists. There is nothing impossible in football, and we must play and continue to perform strongly,” the veteran Portuguese coach said yesterday before team’s departure for Phoenix in Arizona where they will play against Honduras at the State Farm Stadium on Friday (2:45am, Qatar time).
Queiroz, who criticised Jamaican referee Daneon Parchment for his decisions during match against Haiti, reposed confidence in players and hoped the team will come up with an improved performance in their remaining matches.
“The team played a great match and imposed their style. We succeeded in scoring an early goal. Despite the loss, I am convinced and proud of the players and their efforts. We are hoping for best performance in the next match,” he said.
“However, we must learn to focus and play until the last minute in the upcoming matches. We must work and prepare for the next match. We have a young side and I think they are giving their best,” the coach added.
Speaking on striker Almoez Ali’s absence from Haiti match, Queiroz said: “I wish I could play with all the players available on the list. I cannot play with injured players. My role at the present time is to renew the team and give the opportunity to new faces. I believe that the Qatari fans are proud of what they saw inside the stadium with Ahmed Suhail, Mostafa Tareq [Meshaal] and Jassem Jaber in action.”
Almoez, who was the top scorer in 2021 Gold Cup edition with four goals, suffered a muscle strain before Haiti match. The team management is awaiting his medical report to determine his fate for match against Honduras.
Qatar will hold their first training session at State Farm Stadium today.
