DOHA: Qatar experienced a significant 4-1 loss to Russia at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium yesterday, marking their final international friendly prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian play-offs next month.
The outcome raises concerns for head coach Julen Lopetegui, who utilized various line-ups and combinations due to the absence of several key players, including Almoez Ali, Hassan Al Haydos, and Ismael Mohammed, all of whom are sidelined by injuries. This defeat follows last week’s 2-2 draw against Bahrain, resulting in a disappointing series of warm-up matches.
Despite the experimental strategy, Lopetegui would have anticipated more robust performances with crucial matches against Oman (October 8) and the UAE (October 14) approaching. Qatar needs to finish at the top of the group to secure their place in next year’s World Cup.
Qatari defender Tarek Salman recognized the necessity for improvement, acknowledging that the team must learn from their recent performances.
“The coach is discovering new players and trying to find the right combination. Of course, there are mistakes,” said Salman after the match.
“There are many factors. But, God willing, what happened came in a friendly match in September. Hopefully, it won’t happen again in October, during the most important event.
We certainly have to learn from our mistakes. The fans might be tired of hearing the same things, but this is the reality. We have to take the positives and learn from what happened.”
Playing in front of an encouraging home audience with complimentary admission provided by the Qatar Football Association, the Asian champions found it challenging to keep pace with Russia’s vigor and accuracy throughout the match.
Russia commenced the match with vigor, controlling the early stages, as Qatar goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham was called into action within minutes, thwarting Aleksei Miranchuk’s attempt. Aleksandr Silyanov also tested Barsham around the 15th minute as the visitors maintained their dominance in possession.
In the 23rd minute, Aleksey Batrakov’s header from a well-placed cross struck the crossbar, just grazing Barsham’s fingertips. Qatar’s first significant chance arose five minutes later when Akram Afif earned a corner, but the Russian defense managed the threat with ease.
Russia soon made their mark, scoring twice in quick succession. Aleksandr Golovin opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, finishing a cross from Batrakov. Just two minutes later, a lofted ball from Danil Krugovoy found an unmarked Matvey Kislyak, who headed in Russia’s second goal.
Ivan Sergeyev concluded a commanding first-half performance, seizing a rebound in the 45th minute after Barsham had initially denied Batrakov, giving Russia a decisive 3-0 advantage at halftime.Qatar returned with more energy after the break and created chances early in the second half. Afif came close to connecting from close range, while Igor Diveev’s header for Russia sailed over the bar. Batrakov also had a goal ruled out for offside.
Afif eventually pulled one back for Qatar in the 62nd minute, exchanging passes with Mohamed Manai before slotting in the center of the box – a rare bright moment for the hosts.
But Miranchuk responded swiftly for Russia, scoring the fourth goal in the 69th minute to restore the three-goal cushion and seal a comprehensive win.
The Qatari squad will now return to club duty before regrouping for the crucial World Cup qualifying campaign next month.
