• Qatar’s Hazem Shehata scored the only goal of the match against Mexico in the 27th minute

• Queiroz took charge of the Qatar team in March 2023

• Carlos Queiroz handled the Qatar side for the first time in a tournament

Shilarze Saha Roy

Carlos Queiroz, the renowned Portuguese coach, has ushered in a new era for Qatar’s national team, reshaping their style of play and revitalising their ambitions on the global stage. His tenure received a major boost with Qatar’s stunning 1-0 victory over Mexico in their final Group B tie of the CONCACAF Gold Cup at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on July 2, 2023. This triumph marked Queiroz’s first significant win since taking charge of the team in March 2023, and it showcased the team’s evolving identity under his guidance. It was also the first time that Carlos Queiroz was handling the Qatar side in a tournament since replacing Felix Sanchez Bas at the helm.

Qatar’s journey in the CONCACAF Gold Cup was a rollercoaster ride, filled with twists and turns. They kicked off their campaign with a heart-breaking 2-1 defeat to Haiti, a match that saw the winner being scored deep into added time. A late goal from Honduras in their second match resulted in a 1-1 draw and left Qatar in a precarious position. Now, they needed a win against Mexico to secure a place in the knockout stage for the second successive edition. And Qatar players were up for the challenge. Taking the lead in the 27th minute, courtesy of a superb angled header from Hazem Shehata, they held firm against a dominant Mexican side throughout the match. Although Mexico enjoyed maximum possession of the ball, they couldn’t translate it into goals. Qatar’s resolute defence and disciplined approach denied Mexico any breakthrough. For the record, Qatar’s FIFA world rankings stood at 58 while Mexico’s was 14, as of June 29, 2023. The victory over Mexico not only secured Qatar a place in the quarter-finals but also highlighted the team’s growing maturity and adaptability under Queiroz’s tutelage. Despite facing a setback in the subsequent quarter-final match against Panama, where they lost 4-0, Qatar’s progress in the tournament illustrated their evolving style of play and their ability to compete against strong opposition. Qatar also missed six players in their contest against Panama because of suspension.

Carlos Queiroz’s appointment came at a crucial juncture for Qatari football. Following the high of winning the AFC Asian Cup in 2019, Qatar experienced a series of disappointing performances as hosts of the FIFA World Cup. The need for reinvigoration and rejuvenation was evident, and it is a challenge that Queiroz has embraced wholeheartedly. With a career that has spanned across renowned clubs and national teams and continents, including spells as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United, Queiroz brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role. He sees his position as an opportunity to add to his already impressive legacy and guide Qatar to new heights. His ultimate goal is to lead Qatar to their first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup and defend their Asian Cup title. “The goal and the dream to qualify Qatar for the first time for the World Cup and to defend the title of the Asian Cup. When I put those two pieces together it is the right explosive combination with my enthusiasm and belief and hope to be able to put on the pitch 45 years of my experience and really serve the goals and the dreams of the Qatar federation and the people to qualify the team for the first World Cup," Queiroz spoke about his vision in detail after being unveiled as Qatar’s coach.

“The last time was not a qualification (into the FIFA World Cup), it was the consequence of hosting the World Cup. In simple words, I would say the QFA has built up the opportunity to organise one World Cup in Qatar and it has opened up the door for one group of players to play at a World Cup. Now it’s our turn to reward the Qatar federation and deliver the first World Cup qualification in our time, to get out on the pitch and deliver at that level and deliver to the country that dream and that goal,” he added. As Qatar’s national team continues to evolve under Carlos Queiroz's stewardship, the victory against Mexico will certainly serve as a stepping stone towards their ultimate aspirations. “Certainly, we still have a long way to go, to be where we want to be. But for sure we are not where we start. Do we change? No, we are growing up. Let’s be humble and be ready for the challenges,” Queiroz said after the match against Mexico. The future certainly looks promising for Qatari football.