Qatar players during a training session.
Doha, Qatar: Almoez Ali is not looking too far ahead. As Qatar target a first-ever place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage, Al Annabi’s all-time leading scorer insists belief must be matched by patience and focus.
“We are taking things one step at a time. Right now, our entire focus is on the next match against Canada. We do not want to get ahead of ourselves,” Almoez said on the sidelines of Qatar’s training session in Vancouver.
“We respect every opponent and understand that the road ahead is long and difficult, but we believe in our abilities and have faith in ourselves.”
Those words carry added weight after Qatar secured their first-ever World Cup point with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Group B favourites Switzerland.
Breel Embolo’s first-half penalty had put the Swiss on course for victory as they dominated proceedings and fired 26 shots at goal. But Al Annabi refused to wilt under pressure, staying in the contest through resilience and discipline before forcing a stoppage-time own goal by Miro Muheim under pressure from Boualem Khoukhi.
For Almoez, the draw offered more than a point.
“I think we achieved a positive result at the start of our World Cup campaign. Facing a strong team like Switzerland and coming away with a point is very important in a tournament of this magnitude,” he said.
“That match is behind us now, but the point we earned has given us great confidence and extra motivation to keep working and focus on what lies ahead.”
The striker, whose preparations for the tournament were disrupted by injury and surgery, believes Qatar’s response against Switzerland reflected qualities that had been missing.
“One of the biggest positives was the team spirit and tactical discipline we showed. Alhamdulillah, that spirit has returned after we had lost it recently,” Almoez said.
“Our fighting spirit is the result of long and hard work as a team. Every player understands the responsibility he carries. We represent an entire nation and people who expect a lot from us, so it was only natural that we fought for every ball and gave everything on the pitch.”
He also highlighted the role of goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada, who emerged as Qatar’s standout performers in only his seventh international appearance.
“Mahmoud delivered an outstanding performance. His saves came at crucial moments and helped the team enormously,” Almoez said.
“He is a goalkeeper with tremendous potential who works very hard in training, and what he produced against Switzerland was the natural result of that dedication.”
Qatar now head into another significant test against co-hosts Canada in Vancouver in the early hours of Friday (1am Qatar time), with all four Group B teams level on one point after Canada came from behind to draw 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Led by American coach Jesse Marsch, Canada boast stars like Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David and will enjoy strong backing from the home crowd.
“Canada are a very strong team with outstanding players. They will also be playing in front of their own fans, which gives them an advantage,” Almoez said.
“We have studied them closely, understand their strengths, and the coaching staff are preparing us accordingly.”
“I think their greatest strengths are their pace and the enthusiasm their supporters bring. They are a well-organised team with high technical quality, so we must maintain maximum concentration throughout the match.”
If Canada can count on home support, Qatar have already discovered the value of theirs in the opener in which they received massive support.
“It was an incredible feeling to see our supporters in the stands. I want to thank all the fans who travelled long distances to support the national team,” Almoez said.
“Seeing the Qatari flags, the thobes and the ghutras filled us with pride and honour. From the very first moment, we felt the fans were behind us wholeheartedly, and that had a huge impact on the players’ morale on the pitch.”
“The fans were a major presence throughout the match. In difficult moments, we drew energy from their encouragement and chants. When a player feels that people believe in him and support him, he gives everything he has. Our supporters were key partners in the result we achieved.”
