Latest news with #Lopetegui
Gulf Today
a day ago
- Sport
- Gulf Today
UAE bid to keep World Cup hopes alive with victory over Uzbekistan
The UAE stand in Uzbekistan's way with the Central Asian nation on the verge of securing FIFA World Cup qualification for the first time. Timur Kapadze's Uzbekistan only need to avoid defeat against UAE in their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 Group A tie to join Islamic Republic of Iran at next year's global extravaganza. The UAE, however, will go into the tie at the Al Nahyan Stadium determined to - at the very least - delay Uzbekistan's celebrations. Seeking a second appearance at the FIFA World Cup, UAE still have an outside chance of securing an automatic ticket and will have Romanian tactician Cosmin Olariu leading them for the first time. They sit on 13 points, four behind Uzbekistan but with just two matches remaining, their fate is out of their hands but Olariu has vowed they will do their best to keep their dream of automatic qualification alive. Stopping history-seeking Uzbekistan won't be easy, with the White Wolves having suffered defeat only once in their qualifying campaign. The players, said defender Rustam Ashurmatov, are determined to realise the dreams of their nation. 'We give our all in every match. We go to the field only to win. I think our team is capable of this - we will win,' said Ashurmatov to local media. Meanwhile, Julen Lopetegui will be aiming to get his tenure off to a winning start when Qatar host Islamic Republic of Iran in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 on Thursday. While Iran have already confirmed their FIFA World Cup 2026 appearance, Qatar's hopes depend on them advancing from the playoffs, with automatic qualification no longer an option. Such have two-time AFC Asian Cup winners Qatar's troubles been that Lopetegui will be the third head coach in charge of their qualifying campaign. With an automatic spot out of reach, former Spain and Real Madrid manager Lopetegui has to ensure the West Asian side finish a minimum fourth to book a spot in the playoffs, where an additional two FIFA World Cup tickets will be at stake. On a positive note, they sit four points ahead of Kyrgyz Republic but with Iran and then Uzbekistan to follow, Qatar must tread with caution. Iran will head into the tie in relaxed mode after securing a fourth consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup. In what has been a sterling qualifying campaign, the only points Team Melli dropped were in two stalemates with Uzbekistan and they aren't likely to hold back despite having already secured their FIFA World Cup slot. The corresponding fixture last November ended 5-0 in Iran's favour and they will be aiming for another statement win. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia both know the score - only victory will suffice when they meet in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 on Thursday. Bahrain are chasing a playoff spot while Saudi Arabia need the three points to keep their hopes of automatic qualification alive going into next Tuesday's final round of matches. Defeats against Indonesia and Japan in the March fixtures ended Bahrain's hopes of an automatic spot, with the West Asian side going into their tie against Saudi Arabia on six points. They sit three point behind Indonesia, with the third and fourth-place teams to advance to the playoffs which offer an additional two spots to the global showpiece. While their fate is no longer in their hands, Bahrain will be determined to remain in the race for as long as they can as they look to make up for their March defeats. With Japan having already confirmed their spot in next year's Finals, Saudi Arabia are in a two-horse race with Australia - with the Socceroos in prime position to advance automatically. That, however, could change if Australia fail to beat Japan on Thursday as a win for Saudi Arabia against Bahrain will mean the two will face off in a winner-takes-all showdown on Tuesday. Oman will aim to maximise home ground advantage when they welcome Jordan to the Sultan Qaboos Sport Complex for their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 Group B tie on Thursday.
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Keen Qatar all geared up to face Iran at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in crucial tie
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar will look to reignite their World Cup AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 2026 campaign when they meet Iran at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Thursday at 9.15 pm. Though they face a formidable opponent, the Al Annabi will aim for a winning start under their new coach Julen Lopetegui. While Iran have already confirmed their FIFA World Cup 2026 appearance, Qatar's hopes depend on them advancing from the playoffs, with automatic qualification no longer an option. With an automatic spot out of reach, former Spain and Real Madrid manager Lopetegui has to ensure the West Asian side finish a minimum fourth to book a spot in the playoffs, where an additional two FIFA World Cup tickets will be at stake. On a positive note, they sit four points ahead of Kyrgyz Republic but with Iran and then Uzbekistan to follow, Qatar must tread with caution. Lopetegui exuded confidence as he addressed the media on eve of the match. 'This is my first match with the Qatar, and I understand the importance of facing Iran, regardless of our position in the group. It's a challenge, and we are ready for it. I am happy with the environment in the team,' he said. 'The training camp was productive and we had the opportunity to closely observe the players, especially those we followed in recent local competitions. Our focus is always on our team, and we are fully prepared for this match,' Lopetegui stressed. 'I trust in our players' abilities. We know Iran are a tough side. They are only one of the two teams [in Asia] who have qualified for the World Cup. We have studied our opponents thoroughly. We are focusing on our strength and we know it will be a tough match. It's my first game as the head coach of the Qatar team, but we're approaching it with confidence and composure. Our goal is clear: to win tomorrow's match and continue progressing in the qualifiers. We also look forward to strong support from the fans. It means a lot to the players,' he added. Qatar mercurial striker Akram Afif said his team needs to focus more on themselves. 'It's an important match for us. The match against Iran won't be easy and we have to focus on ourselves. It's our last qualifier at home, in front of our fans, and our goal is to win,' said Afif. 'We, as players, are fully prepared and understand the difficulty of the match. I can't stress enough how much we need our fans' support. On the field, we complement each other, and the entire Qatari fanbase shares the same dream, to see Qatar qualify for the 2026 World Cup. We're expected to win, and the fans' ambition is also our ambition.' 'Representing the Qatari national team is a great honour. We'll enter the match united, as one team, with one goal. Our ambition mirrors that of our supporters to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Their dream is our dream, and our goal is to secure all three points. We know it won't be an easy match, and we respect the strength of our opponent, but we are ready for the challenge,' he added. Meanwhile Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said his team will have some changes due to injuries to players. He also condoled the passing away of former Qatar coach Ahmed Omar. 'We have unforgettable memories and strong friendships in Qatar. I would also like to offer my condolences on the passing of the renowned coach Ahmed Omar,' said Ghalenoei. He adde: 'Despite having already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, tomorrow's match remains important as we are keen to improve our position in the FIFA rankings. We want to approach the World Cup to secure best FIFA ranking. This is our biggest motivation in our last two matches. 'We are aware that the Qatari national team has a new coach, Julen Lopetegui. He is a very capable coach, and we are familiar with many of the Qatari players. 'We will have some forced changes due to injuries, and some unforced changes to give young players a chance in the match,' the coach said. 'We're not concerned about the injuries, as we have capable players who can step in and fill those roles effectively.' 'We are highly motivated going into the match against Qatar. The players are eager to perform well, not just to maintain our FIFA ranking but also to prove themselves. We want to remain in the spotlight, and every player is determined to earn their place in the squad for the 2026 World Cup.' Iran's star player Mehdi Taremi said his side was ready. 'Tomorrow's match will not be easy. These are the kinds of games that hinge on the players' focus, and small details can be decisive.' 'We've had a good training camp so far, and we're ready for the match. I know all the Qatari players well, and the competition between our two teams is always intense. I'm very optimistic about tomorrow. It will an exciting match.' Iran have already securing a fourth consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup. In what has been a sterling qualifying campaign, the only points Team Melli dropped were in two stalemates with Uzbekistan and they aren't likely to hold back. A cracker is on cards.
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- General
- Qatar Tribune
I believe Qatar can qualify for World Cup 2026, says coach Lopetegui
Julen Lopetegui is the new man in charge of Qatar, right as a crucial stage in Asian qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is just around the corner. With the third round drawing to a close, the former Spain and Real Madrid C. F. coach has taken the reins of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 hosts with Qatar sitting fourth in Group A and unable to secure a direct berth in the current phase. Should they finish either third or fourth though that would send them through to the next round where half a dozen nations will scrap for a further two direct spots. An additional place at the global finals is then potentially available via the FIFA Play-Off Tournament so there's certainly plenty on the line for the Maroons. Ahead of Qatar's qualifiers against IR Iran and Uzbekistan, Lopetegui sat down with FIFA to talk about his new coaching challenge. FIFA: How do you feel about this new project with Qatar and how did it come about? Julen LopeteguicTypeface:> There's a moment when the people offering you the job and your own excitement and enthusiasm to take on the project come together perfectly. We know that we're taking over at a difficult time, and we know we're going to have to pull off something spectacular to qualify for the World Cup. And to compound matters, we're up against the two sides that currently sit first and second in the group. We'll do everything in our power to give ourselves another shot at qualification in October, which is when the fourth round takes place in Asia. We need to give it our absolute all to give ourselves another chance of qualifying. Let's just hope we've got what it takes. We know it's not going to be easy, but that's one of the reasons why we decided to come here. We've been aware of Qatar's football project for a long time. Several years ago in my career, I was in talks to come here. It didn't come off back then for various reasons, but now, as I mentioned before, it was the right moment in my career for me to take on the responsibility of leading this national team and heading up the country's football project for at least the next two years to come. It's a massive responsibility, and we're all chomping at the bit to get started. We're fully committed to the task, and have been working tirelessly for the past three weeks. What will be your approach to the challenges ahead? We're fully aware of the challenges that lie in wait. In December, we've got the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, which is another hugely important tournament that's taking place on home soil. We already know who's drawn who, and I think it's going to be an incredibly exciting tournament. But right now, we've got our sights fully set on qualifying for the World Cup. Qatar has never qualified for a World Cup through the qualifiers before, and it's a dream we're determined to fight for. It's within touching distance. We've got two games left to play, both of which will be incredibly difficult, and in quick succession. However, despite all the difficulties, we're determined to give it our best shot to earn ourselves another chance of qualifying in October. Fingers crossed we've got what it takes. What is the feeling going into the Iran match at home knowing that a win would secure a place in the fourth round? We're fully focused on our match against Iran. We're just taking it one game at a time. After our game against Iran, we'll turn our attention to our next opponent. It's going to be a stern test for us, and we're fully aware of the quality they possess. But every match is a new opportunity, and the past is in the past. We'll do our utmost to take the game to them and put in a performance that gives us a chance of beating them. Knowing how much is riding on this fixture, we'll be giving it everything we've got. We're not thinking about other team's fixtures. We're fully aware that Kyrgyz Republic's two games are very different prospects from ours, but we want to focus on ourselves without worrying about what other teams are doing. How would it feel to qualify this team for the World Cup? The prospect of playing at the World Cup is what really spurs us on. And also the wider vision for the national team's future development. We're hoping for the best, but we know it'll be a tough ask. But at the same time, it's the project itself that's really got the juices flowing amongst everyone - in terms of how the game in Qatar has developed over the past few years. There's no doubt in anyone's mind that this generation has achieved some very impressive things in the Asian Cup. However, generations come to an end, and now we need to turn our attention to starting the process again, which will be no mean feat. And while we do that, we'll be doing our best to compete, which is the most important thing in the short term. Right now, our short-term focus is on Iran. We need to make sure all the players stay focused and motivated. (
The Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Qatar fighting to keep World Cup dreams alive, says Lopetegui
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - World Cup - AFC Qualifiers - Third Round - Group A - Kyrgyzstan v Qatar - Dolen Omurzakov Stadium, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan - March 25, 2025 Qatar players line-up before the match. REUTERS/Pavel Mikheyev/File Photo (Reuters) -Qatar are within "touching distance" of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and will go all out against Iran and Uzbekistan over the next week to keep their dream alive, says new coach Julen Lopetegui. Qatar, who hosted the 2022 World Cup but have never reached the tournament via the qualification route, cannot finish in the top two in Group A to earn an automatic berth in 2027 but can still secure a spot in the playoffs for teams finishing third and fourth. The Gulf side are currently fourth on 10 points, four ahead of Kyrgyzstan. Former Spain and Real Madrid coach Lopetegui takes charge of Qatar for the first time when they face group leaders Iran in Doha on Thursday before they close out the third round by visiting second-placed Uzbekistan on June 10. "Qatar has never qualified for a World Cup through the qualifiers before, and it's a dream we're determined to fight for," Lopetegui told FIFA's website in an interview published on Tuesday. "It's within touching distance. We've got two games left to play, both of which will be incredibly difficult, and in quick succession. "However, despite all the difficulties, we're determined to give it our best shot to earn ourselves another chance of qualifying in October." Qatar have enjoyed considerable continental success in recent years, winning back-to-back Asian Cup titles, but Lopetegui said they are in a transitional phase and still finding their feet. "There's no doubt in anyone's mind that this generation has achieved some very impressive things in the Asian Cup," added the Spaniard, who was appointed coach in May. "However, generations come to an end, and now we need to turn our attention to starting the process again, which will be no mean feat. While we do that, we'll be doing our best to compete, which is the most important thing in the short term." (Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Qatar fighting to keep World Cup dreams alive, says Lopetegui
Qatar are within "touching distance" of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and will go all out against Iran and Uzbekistan over the next week to keep their dream alive, says new coach Julen Lopetegui. Qatar, who hosted the 2022 World Cup but have never reached the tournament via the qualification route, cannot finish in the top two in Group A to earn an automatic berth in 2027 but can still secure a spot in the playoffs for teams finishing third and fourth. The Gulf side are currently fourth on 10 points, four ahead of Kyrgyzstan. Former Spain and Real Madrid coach Lopetegui takes charge of Qatar for the first time when they face group leaders Iran in Doha on Thursday before they close out the third round by visiting second-placed Uzbekistan on June 10. "Qatar has never qualified for a World Cup through the qualifiers before, and it's a dream we're determined to fight for," Lopetegui told FIFA's website in an interview published on Tuesday. "It's within touching distance. We've got two games left to play, both of which will be incredibly difficult, and in quick succession. "However, despite all the difficulties, we're determined to give it our best shot to earn ourselves another chance of qualifying in October." Qatar have enjoyed considerable continental success in recent years, winning back-to-back Asian Cup titles, but Lopetegui said they are in a transitional phase and still finding their feet. "There's no doubt in anyone's mind that this generation has achieved some very impressive things in the Asian Cup," added the Spaniard, who was appointed coach in May. "However, generations come to an end, and now we need to turn our attention to starting the process again, which will be no mean feat. While we do that, we'll be doing our best to compete, which is the most important thing in the short term." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
