With 2022 burnt in the foresight of Qatari football, a first road marker to assess progress is set early with their trip to the Emirates in January. Having quickly shifted tact, from experienced and nationalised, to youthful and home grown, little was expected of them at this early juncture, given the previous side disappointed so much in the last couple of years. Under former youth coach Felix Sanchez however, Qatar have quickly alerted the world to their potential with an upsurge in play, beating Switzerland and drawing with Iceland in November, to swing interest back in the Qataris favour on the eve of the Asian Cup.
What difference some 18 months can make? Last June, Qatar limply exited World Cup qualification, after some lofty ambitions, of at least competing for a place in Russia were clumsily dashed. Watching on, as the likes of neighbours Saudi Arabia and war-torn Syria, packed a punch, Qatari fans were left questioning why they couldn’t achieve similar results? Instead, Qatar exited in bottom spot, behind labouring China and Uzbekistan sides, with few crumbs of comfort, only to be eased by the fact they’d at least make their debut next time around.
2022 has long been the target, but the last few years have been borne out of the hope that it wouldn’t be their first time on the grandest of world stages. A last chance saloon, which saw their nationalising practices shift into overdrive, including the late recruit of 36-year-old Brazilian Rodrigo Tabata, the ways of old were simply running out of gas. Earlier in qualification; Qatar peaked, starting 8 players against Iran who were born outside of the country. Why did they need to do this? Well, the domestic stock was clearly not up to it.
Well that was the party line anyway, run emphatically by outgoing coach Uruguayan Jorge Fossati. When questioned on his perspective of using nationalised players over Qatari born ones, Fossati wasn’t shy in throwing his adopted countrymen under the bus. Fast forward a year and a half, to a side that fielded 8 starting players born in Qatar, at an average age of 24, beating one of Europe’s top national teams, and I’m sure Fossati is regretting his unequivocal dismissal.
His successor, Felix Sanchez has benefitted from a quick overhaul that has long been in the pipeline. Fossati and his fellow countryman Jose Daniel Carreno before him were tasked to bleed the current stock dry, by any which way possible, recruiting whoever they saw fit to qualify for 2018. Sanchez on the other hand, was directed in the more politically appeasing route, of young homegrown stock that would better reflect the country come 2022.
Sanchez has extensive experience of this very set of players, coaching the same group through the Aspire Academy, the U19s, where Qatar were Asian champions in 2014, U20s, where Qatar travelled to New Zealand to play in the Youth World Cup, to U23s, where they recorded back-to-back continental semi-final appearances. He wasn’t the biggest of names, even within domestic Qatari football, but he knew the resources he had at his disposal, and he continually brings the best out of them.
The side that succeeded on their recent trip to Europe may have been raw but they were well established in the style Sanchez (and the broadly the Spanish run Aspire Academy) required. Possession from the back, quick interplays, and a flexible attack, all growing Qatari hallmarks, throughout their successful youth campaigns. A foundation, which is about to be tested on the competitive senior level for the first time.
Going from considered underdogs, to a key player in UAE, over such a short period, is going to be a difficult ask, and should be allowed some slack if they do indeed fall short in January. With a centre back duo, that are set to only turn 21 on the eve of the tournament, it’s difficult to see Qatar challenging the elite nations for a finals birth, given the European expertise their opposition bring to the table. Facing off in their final group match against Saudi Arabia looks to already be a key sounding board for both sides progress to date, ever more so given the simmering political landscape at the minute.
There is a case to be said, for momentum, which Qatar clearly has. Not only are they benefiting from a strong record for the national team, the nucleus of the squad (playing for either of Qatar’s leading clubs Al-Duhail and Al Sadd) have recent experience of continental Champions League quarter final play. Left back Abdelkarim Hassan has been recently named (however surprisingly) the AFC Player of the Year, while there are still a few experienced heads left in the setup, the likes of Hassan Al-Haydos would feature heavily for almost any side in Asia right now if he was of another nationality.
Their brightest star arguably however, is flying winger Akram Afif, a player that has it in his range to attract a European offer with his showings in the Emirates. The winning goal scorer against the Swiss, Afif’s ascendancy into the limelight has taken it’s time to ferment, bouncing around several outposts in Europe before heading back to Qatar with Al Sadd. His play has clearly come on however despite failing to nail down regular minutes, something he’ll now be able to draw upon for the Maroons.
With scrutiny starting to develop over a promising, but to an extent untested national side, with four years to go until their own World Cup, it would be naive to think that any false move in January wouldn't be pounced upon with glee by the salivating media. While a year ago, we’d have expected to only see green shoots however, the quick progress Sanchez has energised in the squad may offer hope that a sustained run to the latter stages isn’t out of the question.
Key Men
Head Coach - Felix Sanchez (ESP)
Relatively unknown coach, who has been immersed in the development of Qatari football for the last 10 years. Has an incredible bond with this precise “generation 2022” set of players, having guided the group to successes at U19 and U23 level. Instructs his players to play a possession based, flowing style, that is instilled through the Spanish run Aspire Academy.
Star Player - Hassan Al-Haydos
One of the few old heads, and even rarer a player over 25, born in Qatar. Has been the poster boy of the national team for years, having the ability to open up defences and beat his marker in tight spaces. Now skipper, he can operate either on the right side of the attack, or deeper in midfield.
Under Pressure - Akram Afif
Still only 22, Afif has experienced plenty in his fledgling career already. Having excelled in Belgium with Aspire owned Eupen, the large step up in quality to the big leagues with Villareal and Sporting Gijon was too much for the quick winger, who’s now back in Qatar with somewhat of a point to prove to his critics. Scored the winner against Switzerland in November.
Young Prospect - Assim Madibo
Short but muscular holding midfielder who has the ability to set off explosive attacks, is primed to be this tournament’s breakout star. Has improved his game significantly since moving to Al-Gharafa on loan, to play alongside Wesley Sneijder, developing a European style of play, that fits well with the new direction of the national team.
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