Qatar’s Top 5 Memorable Triumphs Under Sanchez
The Qatar National Team has constantly punched above its weight, recording some memorable wins under head coach Felix Sanchez.
After landing on Qatari shores in 2006, Felix Sanchez has seen it all – from choosing a team from a pool of 220 players to leading Qatar to the Asian Cup triumph in 2019. This November, Sanchez is set to lead Al-Annabi (The Maroons) to their World Cup debut as hosts, fielding a side that has settled and grown under him significantly in recent years. From the emphatic wins in the Asian Cup campaign to the historic semi-final journey in North America’s continental tournament, here are five of Qatar’s memorable victories after Felix Sanchez took over in 2017:
Saudi Arabia 0-2 Qatar
Qatar wrapped up its excellent start to the 2019 Asian Cup, with a convincing 0-2 win, courtesy of a brace from Almoez Ali. Sanchez’s men showed the capability to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game, eventually scoring late in either of the halves. Qatar topped Group E, qualifying for the knockouts convincingly after winning the “Blockade Derby,” in a tie that was not exclusive of the political tensions between the two nations.
Qatar 5-0 UAE
In front of 63,439 fans at the Al Bayt Stadium, Qatar triumphed against the UAE in the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup. It was the third consecutive victory for Qatar over their Gulf rivals, and this was probably the most impressive of the lot. The Maroons’ intensity was unmatched, as Sanchez’s side scored early in the sixth minute. All five goals came in the opening 45 minutes, with a brace from Almoez Ali, complimented by Boualem Khouki and Abdulaziz Hatem’s strikes.
Qatar 3-2 El Salvador
Sanchez’s side created history by becoming the first invited side to reach the semi-finals since 2002 in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, salvaging a victory against El Salvador. Despite El Salvador’s Joaquin Rivas trying to forge a late surge with two quick goals, Almoez Ali’s two goals, in addition to Abdulaziz Hatem’s strike from outside of the box early on, were enough for Qatar to clinch the win.
UAE 0-4 Qatar
Amidst the political chaos due to the Saudi-led alliance’s blockade, Qatar registered a thumping 4-0 win against the hosts, paving the way to their maiden AFC Asian Cup final in 2019. Sandals and boots started raining on the pitch as Almoez Ali doubled the lead in the 37th minute, following an early solo run from Boualem Khoukhi. By the time captain Al-Haydos scored the third, the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium was almost empty. The final whistle was only a formality by the time Sanchez’s side scored the fourth through Hamid Ismail in added time. “It is not a surprise to me that we are here,” Sanchez said after the clash, confirming his confidence in the side’s preparation at the continental stage.
Japan 1-3 Qatar
Qatar’s maiden Asian Cup triumph came with a pragmatic victory against four-time champions Japan. Top scorer Almoez Ali scored early, breaking Ali Daei’s record with his ninth goal of the tournament. Abdulaziz Hatem’s goal made sure Qatar went into the second half with a 2-0 lead before Akram Afif’s 83rd-minute penalty sealed the win for Qatar, following an attempted Japanese comeback through Takumi Minamino’s goal in the 69th minute. “It was one of the greatest moments of my life, especially with the Amir waiting for you at the airport,” Sanchez said after arriving back in Qatar.
– Sudesh Baniya
