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FIFA World Cup
Having qualified for the global showpiece on merit for the first time, the two-time AFC Asian Cup champions created history as well as heartbreak.
Their campaign, however, got off to a morale-boosting start as an own goal from Miro Muheim in second-half added time secured them a 1-1 draw with Switzerland.
It was their first ever point on the global stage, having suffered three defeats on their debut as hosts four years earlier.
Unfortunately for the West Asian side, it went all wrong in their next match against co-hosts Canada, who took a 2-0 lead by the 29th minute and then saw Qatar reduced to 10 men following Assim Madibo's red card.
It was their first ever point on the global stage, having suffered three defeats on their debut as hosts four years earlier.
Unfortunately for the West Asian side, it went all wrong in their next match against co-hosts Canada, who took a 2-0 lead by the 29th minute and then saw Qatar reduced to 10 men following Assim Madibo's red card.
Canada capitalised on their numerical advantage to hit four more goals but despite the heavy defeat, Qatar's fate was still very much in their own hands going into their concluding Group B tie against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
While they grabbed a goal after going 0-2 behind, Qatar never really looked like they would find a way back into the match and were eliminated after losing 1-3.
Both sides were seeking a knockout stage appearance for the first time but it was the European side who proved to be the hungrier as they cruised to a 3-1 win.
While they grabbed a goal after going 0-2 behind, Qatar never really looked like they would find a way back into the match and were eliminated after losing 1-3.
Both sides were seeking a knockout stage appearance for the first time but it was the European side who proved to be the hungrier as they cruised to a 3-1 win.
Qatar head coach Julen Lopetegui, however, felt the experience gained on the global stage would benefit the younger players in the squad.
"The young players, they have to learn and take this example for the future, to be able to have other possibilities in history," said Lopetegui.
Up next for Qatar is the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ and their target will be to learn from the highs and lows as they look to lift the coveted trophy for the third consecutive time.
Photos: AFP
"The young players, they have to learn and take this example for the future, to be able to have other possibilities in history," said Lopetegui.
Up next for Qatar is the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ and their target will be to learn from the highs and lows as they look to lift the coveted trophy for the third consecutive time.
Photos: AFP
