“I have trust in the team. I trust in Qatar. I believe that we have a chance to qualify.”
Uttered in one go with the right facial expressions these words sounded almost magical, especially because they came from someone who happens to be Jorge Fossati, a seasoned veteran who believes in the eternal sporting dictum that ‘it’s not over till it’s over’.
Ever since the Uruguayan was somewhat unexpectedly handed the reins of the team a little over a month ago after Qatar suffered three straight defeats in the final stage of the World Cup qualifiers under Jose Daniel Carreno, there has been a renewed sense of anticipation and belief that all is not lost and the team could still make it to Russia 2018.
In two qualifying matches that Fossati has overseen so far, Qatar stretched South Korea before going down 3-2 and recorded their first victory, a 1-0 win over Syria last month that raised the team’s hopes.
Now with a crucial match against China looming on November 15, Fossati has once again infused some much-needed optimism and confidence into the side with the message that a World Cup slot in Russia is still within their grasp.
“We are focused on preparing the team at the moment. We are ready to confront China,” Fossati said yesterday ahead of today’s friendly against Russia, a team ranked 53rd in the FIFA rankings, compared to Qatar who are way below in 91st position.
Fossati, however, made it clear that while Qatar would like to take as much as possible from the match against Russia, his thoughts would be on the match against China on Tuesday in Kunming.
“The friendly against Russia would be a nice opportunity to enjoy the game, to check our level and fitness, but we cannot forget that five days later we will be playing against China. I’d like to enjoy the Russia game, but we cannot enjoy because our focus is on China,” Fossati said.
China may have big global ambitions as far as football is concerned with their multi-billion dollar investments in its quest to become a ‘superpower” in the game by 2050, but that has not been matched by their on-field performances.
They languish at the bottom of Group A with not a single win in four matches and a defeat against Qatar could well be the end of the road for them as far as the World Cup in Russia is concerned.
But despite all the doom and gloom the Chinese seem to be confronted with, Fossati is not taking the match for granted.
“We don’t know what China’s strategy would be under Marcello Lippi,” confessed Fossati. Lippi took over from Gao Hongbo who resigned after the team suffered a 2-0 defeat to Uzbekistan in the qualifiers last month.
The 68-year-old Italian guided his country to World Cup glory in 2006 and has tremendous experience in China, having played a key role in the success of top club side Guangzhou Evergrande who won the Chinese Super League three straight times. His five Serie A titles and numerous other accolades make him a formidable foe, something which Fossati is well aware of.
“Marcello has had a fantastic career. The most important thing is that he has worked in China. He knows Chinese football and their players very well.”
Respect apart, Fossati was clear in his mind that he won’t be viewing the China match as a battle between two coaches.
“My philosophy is the match is going to be between two teams, Qatar and China, and not between one coach and another. This is like a final match. From now on every match is like a final and we know we will be confronting a very tough team.”
Despite Qatar’s troubles when it comes to international football, they have a pretty decent record against China.
In 16 matches between the two teams beginning 1978 when they clashed for the first time, China have won six, while Qatar have triumphed in five with five drawn.
But Fossati is a man who prefers to live in the present.
“History doesn’t matter. It’s the present that matters. I have trust in the team. I trust in Qatar. I believe that we have a chance to qualify.”
Often such words can lift the spirits of a nation, and that is the need of the hour as far as Qatar are concerned.