Qatar vs Bosnia: Lopetegui Targets Historic First Win After Canada Red Card Drama

Lopetegui says Qatar will “fight tooth and nail” for first ever World Cup win vs Bosnia  

Qatar eye history vs Bosnia as Lopetegui Says “we are focusing on the challenge tomorrow.”

Must-win for both, Qatar aim to bounce back vs “Physically Strong” Bosnia...

Julen Lopetegui says Qatar are ready to battle for a historic first World Cup win when they face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday in a do-or-die group game. The Qatar coach said Tuesday that reaching that milestone is the team’s target.

Both teams must win to keep their tournament hopes alive. Lopetegui added that Qatar will “fight tooth and nail” in Seattle to get the result they need.

Qatar are still licking their wounds after a 6-0 defeat to Canada. Homam Ahmed and Assim Madibo were both sent off in that game.

Madibo got his red for a challenge on Ismael Kone that broke the Canada midfielder’s leg, and Lopetegui said Madibo has since gone to see Kone in Vancouver.

“He (Madibo) was very, very affected by this injury,” the coach said. “Never was it his intention.”

For Qatar, the heavy loss to Canada is behind them now.

“Now, we are focusing on the challenge tomorrow that we have,” Lopetegui said.

Qatar and Bosnia both sit on one point in the group table.

“Pressure? Nothing,” the coach said. “We have ambition and excitement.”

Qatar are making their World Cup debut. They qualified automatically as hosts of the 2022 tournament.

Lopetegui called Bosnia a tough side “physically and technically,” with dangerous forwards and wingers. He also pointed out they knocked out Wales and Italy to reach the World Cup.

“They have a lot of solutions,” he said. “We have to use our strengths and be the best team possible.”

Ahmed Al-Eddin said the Qatar squad stayed united after the heavy loss to Canada.

The forward added that seeing fans in traditional Qatari dress at the Canada game and the 1-1 draw with Switzerland gave the team a boost.

“It ‌made us actually feel hope, as if we were playing in Qatar, not in the US,” Al-Eddin said. “And God willing, we will try to give back at least one small part, one very modest part ⁠of what they have ⁠been giving to us ‌along the way.”