Match Preview: Qatar vs Senegal

The Asian Game’s coverage of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is proudly sponsored by SMC.

There’s no getting around it, Sunday’s opening defeat to Ecuador was a huge disappointment for Qatar.

In becoming the first World Cup host in history to lose their opening game, the next feat they’ll seek to avoid would be in becoming only the second host nation in history not to progress through to the knockout stage.

In the other case, South Africa, who failed to make it out of the group stage at their host World Cup in 2010, did at least finish their campaign with four points from nine. With only two games to match or exceed that record, Qatar head into their encounter with Senegal knowing they must clinch a result if they don’t want to go down in history as the first host to exit the tournament after two matches.

Of course, it’s not just on paper where Qatar struggled; their overall performance against Ecuador was more concerning than the 2-0 score line probably suggested.

Following the match, Felix Sanchez pointed to nerves and pressure being the key conduits to their downfall, and it was clear from the first whistle; the Maroon froze in the headlights of worldwide scrutiny.

While the symbolism of the event, accompanied by the heightened scrutiny on the organisation and the region as a whole, ramped up focus ahead of kick off, there was further question marks to be laid at the feet of Sanchez and his coaching set up; specifically in how they prepared the team and approached a match that Qataris had been dreaming about since they won hosting rights over a decade ago.

Back in action 🔙#FIFAWorldCup #Qatar2022 #AlAnnabi pic.twitter.com/1OMZae0w55
— Qatar Football Association (@QFA_EN) November 22, 2022

Unfamiliarity in the tactical philosophy couldn’t be pleaded; this Qatar side set up in a similar fashion to that which won them their Asian Cup title over three years ago. Yet, the intensity and cohesion seemed lost to those on the pitch.

The key strength of the squad has long been in its unity, but at times on Sunday the team felt disparate and erratic; individuals left playing their own game in attempting to press high in one moment, before dropping off in another. This all lead to a game that quickly spiralled from a nervy start to one that fell significantly short of the team’s true capability.

So, to Senegal, an opportunity for redemption for both sides given their opponents opening defeat to Netherlands on Monday.

Questions around how Qatar will approach Senegal feel quite futile. The squad has been assembled to play this way for years; a sudden adaption following an initial setback seems unlikely given Felix Sanchez’s loyalty to his ideals.

What needs to change, however, is their positivity. As we saw with Saudi Arabia just two days later, Asian teams have the ability to go toe-to-toe with the very best in the world; squeeze play and dictate the flow of the game if they head into it in a proactive mood.

That feeling may be instilled by changes in personnel. Qatar aren’t blessed with significant depth, but they do have options. Mohammed Muntari looked one of the few heads not to be overawed by the situation when he replaced usual focal point Almoez Ali, while an injection of pace on the flanks, namely through Ismaeel Mohammed could be another alternative to try out.

From a defensive perspective, Sanchez will be keen to retain an advantage from the start, which may mean a more stable centre of the field. Karim Boudiaf was left isolated at times in the middle of the park against Ecuador. More support may be required, so the sacrifice of one of their more attacking outlets, in particular skipper Hassan Al-Haydos may be prudent at this stage.

Whatever selection Sanchez makes, he’ll have been keen this week to raise the feeling around the squad, following a damning first day defeat that’ll understandably resonate deeply in the squad in their build up. From rock bottom, the task is unenviable, but given the options and squad harmony, there is potential to turn this around.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

AKRAM AFIF – Qatar’s star man in the lead up to the World Cup, Afif was left a frustrated figure on Sunday. One of the few players that persisted with his pressing game, his final product did struggle to find its target, as their leading man retreated further and further as the match wore on, in search of the ball and any such influence over the tie.

He continues to offer something that Qatar need to harness if they are to bounce back against Senegal; but he needs service to demonstrate his undoubted ability.

MOHAMMED MUNTARI – One of the high points in an otherwise miserable match, Muntari’s second-half cameo created some of the more clear-cut openings the Maroon had across the 90 minutes.

A divisive figure usually, who has regularly frustrated in previous qualification campaigns, when on form he looks to offer something a bit different to the more static and physical style of Almoez Ali. If Sanchez chooses to shake the squad up a little, Muntari is the first player he’ll call on.

BOUALEM KHOUKHI – When Qatar play well, Algerian born-Khoukhi is usually the man who makes the team tick. Against Ecuador he was unable to stamp his authority on the game, regularly dragged into a defensive game, rather than orchestrating the link up play with midfield he usually offers.

Qatar’s possession on Sunday was infrequent, with Sanchez opting to use diagonal balls from the flanks rather than steady build up down the centre. Khoukhi, through his link up with Abdulaziz Hatem and Assim Madibo, if he features, could be an alternative route to take control of the centre of the field.

WHAT THEY SAID

Felix Sanchez – Qatar coach

“The curtain raiser wasn’t as we had hoped. It was difficult to get into the game after a poor start. What we need to do is try to analyse the situation and prepare for the next opponent.

“There are many emotional factors to deal with and control. Beyond the result we wish to show a more competitive level, that’s something we will try starting from today. In the next game we will try to show our real level. To show people we have more to give than our first match.

“We usually say we learn from our mistakes. We are now free from the pressure of the first match. We hope to show how we can be more competitive, irrespective of the result.

“The atmosphere in the country has been excellent, but unfortunately we couldn’t give our fans the joy we wanted to. We know they have high expectations of us, but we can only concentrate on ourselves and avoid external voices.

“We know Senegal have many strengths and very few weaknesses. They played an excellent game against a great team (on Monday). They had a clear idea of how to play. It was a very open match, any team could have won. We know they wish to progress far in this tournament. It’s going to be difficult.”

“We’ve seen big teams fail already. Any time where you’re not at your best, you can be penalised. We can’t compare ourselves with anyone. We have our own pathway. We need to take into account a lot of factors, but we have a long-term plan for Qatari football. Even after the World Cup, they (the QFA) will continue to work so that the footballing level will keep improving despite the limitations we have.”

Imsaeel Mohammad – Qatari defender

“The last match is history now; I think we are starting a fresh page. The squad is on the right path, the next match we will be more prepared to give our all.

“We still have a couple of matches to go. We want to pass this round (into the knockouts), this is our priority. At the match tomorrow we will show our full capability.

“It goes without saying that the performances of, especially the Arab squads, is making us a little bit jealous but motivating us to perform as well as they have. We want to focus on ourselves nonetheless and prove it on the pitch.

“Our message to the fans is that the squad needs their cheering more than ever before. We want to make everyone proud.”