The head coach of the Qatar national team, Julen Lopetegui, and midfielder Abdulaziz Khatim participated in a press conference before the match against Uzbekistan.
"We are expecting an interesting game tomorrow. Our opponent is a very well-formed team. Uzbekistan has qualified for the World Cup, which is a huge and wonderful achievement. I congratulate you. For my team, tomorrow's match is also a good opportunity. We can test players who have not had enough chances yet. Every match in the group means a new opportunity. Every aspect of the game against Uzbekistan will be difficult. We need to show that we are a fighting team as much as possible tomorrow. This is a real challenge for us," said Julen Lopetegui.
"Matches between two national teams are always difficult. Uzbekistan has managed to qualify for the World Cup. We are on our way to the playoff match. Tomorrow's match will be the first step for us to prepare for the next stage. It will definitely be a very difficult game. It will be a tough test physically and mentally. We will try to do everything right and strive for victory," said Abdulaziz Khatim before the match.
- There is no pressure on either team in tomorrow's match. How much can this aspect affect the scenario of the game?
- The Uzbekistan national team has very good players. They play in Europe. Our opponent knows very well how to play football and has been using their desired style. We will try to win tomorrow. The playoff stage begins. The next stage is scheduled for October. Until then, we need to test ourselves in such challenges. We are playing against strong teams in various atmospheres away from home. Tomorrow we need to showcase our abilities.
- A question for the player. Abdulaziz, you came to Tashkent to participate in a match against Pakhtakor with the Al Rayyan team in November. At that time, there were about 10 days left until the first clash of the national teams in Doha. When I spoke with you then, you mentioned that the upcoming game against Uzbekistan was like a final for us. More than six months have passed since then, and the Qatar national team has not been able to secure direct qualification for the World Cup. What has happened with the Qatar national team during this time? What was lacking to qualify for the World Cup?
- Yes, I remember everything. The match in November was a real final for us. We won that match. Unfortunately, we lost many points in the subsequent matches. This is a situation that occurs in football. Now we are in the playoff stage. Playing against a strong opponent like Uzbekistan is a good opportunity. Hopefully, we will show a good game.
- A few days ago, the Iran national team was defeated. How much did this important victory affect the team's mood and spirit?
- It was very important for us. Three points took us to the playoffs. In football, you always have to think about the future. The last match has become history. We need to prepare for the playoff stage. The playoff matches will be held in October. Playing against the strongest teams in Asia like Uzbekistan is a serious challenge. I repeat once again, Uzbekistan has a very good squad. Katanes has done a great job, and now Timur is continuing that work. I am happy to be in Tashkent and to have such a game tomorrow.
- The Qatar national team has won the last two Asian Cups, but has not been able to win away in the current qualifying stage. How embarrassing is this result for the current Asian Cup champions?
- Football always means looking to the future. The present time and the future. You cannot turn back what has happened in history. We are thinking about tomorrow's match. We are not thinking about anything else. I am happy that we defeated Iran, but now we need to think about the future. In football, you need to create the future.
- A question for the player. The Qatar national team has not been able to defeat Uzbekistan away. Can this result change tomorrow?
- As our head coach mentioned, it is wrong to dwell on history. I do not like to remember history. We think about the future. Everything can change in tomorrow's match.
