Qatar Coach Felix Sanchez says his team were very competitive despite losing to Senegal 3-1 in the second group game on Friday.

The host nation have since been eliminated from the competition having lost their first game 2-0 to Ecuador.

“I do think we played a good game. When you come here you need to know where you’re coming from (as a country). If this is a failure and disappointment, that depends on expectations,” Sanchez told reporters at a press conference.

“But sometimes the match does not play out as you expect. It also depends on the opponents’ performance. We didn’t play at our top level. We were competitive but didn’t improve.”

Qatar are now on the brink of becoming the first World Cup hosts to fail to win a single game as they prepare to meet the Netherlands in their final match.

“We are aware of how tough this competition is. We wanted to go far but we know we had limitations as a country,” Sanchez added.

“It’s a small country, not a very large population. The local league is not a very competitive one.

“It’s our first time at the World Cup. If we can take part again, that would be great. It’s always useful to get more experience.”

“We have some young players and more experienced players… Our goal is very clear, we will have a generational shift. Some players will leave, others will come,” he said.

“We might have new players at the Asian Cup next year, some players cannot play at their best for such a long time, but it’s not the end of a cycle.”

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer