Qatar National Team Concludes Qualifiers With a Positive Draw Against Azerbaijan

Baku, November 15 (QNA) - Qatar national team finished the European Qualifiers with a 2-2 draw against Azerbaijan in Baku, thanks to striker Almoez Ali's brace, it was an improved performance by the Felix Sanchez-coached side, which broke their seven-match winless streak in their last match of their European stint, the Asian champs featured in European Qualifiers as a guest team having already qualified for the 2022 World Cup as hosts. The sole aim of playing the matches dubbed "friendlies" against physically and skillfully stronger European teams was to get exposure before the next year's World Cup. After losing heavily to Portugal, Ireland and Serbia, Qatar started well against Azerbaijan yesterday looking to put pressure on the hosts right from the beginning. Ahmed Alaaeldin launched an attack as early as in the fourth minute but he hit the ball too high. Qatar continued testing Azerbaijan attack and were paid for their aggressive display with Almoez putting them ahead in 24th minute. The striker, surrounded by two defenders, scored the opener with a left-footed hit from near the penalty spot following a pass from Alaaeldin. Qatar were clearly a better side at halfway mark, taking three shots on target though Azerbaijan had a slight advantage in ball possession the hosts, however, fought back with a goal coming for them off a penalty in the 37th minute, Alaaeldin was penalized for a foul against Emin Makhmudov, who took a fine shot to beat goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham. In the 67th minute, Makhmudov, taking advantage of a defensive glitch, made it 2-1 for the home team. Almoez leveled the score with a bullet from the right side after receiving a brilliant pass from Akram Afif in the 77th minute. Qatar will now prepare for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021, which will begin on November 30. The European Football Association (UEFA) invited Qatar Football Association to participate in the European qualifiers as a guest without calculating the results, hosts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar, are participated in the qualifiers as a practice in preparation for the mega tournament next year. The reigning AFC Asian Cup titleholders automatically qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2022 as the host nation. This participation is a historic opportunity for the Qatar national team to gain experience by facing strong European teams to prepare in the best and fullest way for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. (QNA)