Amid precarious situation, Qatar coach stresses focus on crucial Tunisia clash

Doha, Qatar: Qatar find themselves in a precarious position in their bid to reach the FIFA Arab Cup quarter finals as they meet Tunisia in their final...

Doha, Qatar: Qatar find themselves in a precarious position in their bid to reach the FIFA Arab Cup quarter-finals as they meet Tunisia in their final Group A match tonight, with coach Julen Lopetegui (pictured) urging full focus ahead of the crucial clash at Al Bayt Stadium tonight.

With only one point from their opening matches, a win alone may not guarantee Qatar a place in the knockout stage, as the simultaneous match between Palestine and Syria will determine the final standings. Both Syria and Palestine have four points each, and a draw would be enough for both sides to advance.

“We have to do the only thing we can do: compete tomorrow with full focus, thinking only about trying to win the match despite the difficulties, and then wait for the result of the other match. We will need our best. We must remain focused, knowing the strengths of the opponent,” said Lopetegui.

Tunisia, last edition’s runners-up, are in a similar position to Qatar, with both teams on a minus-one goal difference while Palestine and Syria sit at plus one. Lopetegui acknowledged the challenge ahead.Qatar players take part in a training session.

“I think they are one of the favourites in this tournament, considering the quality of their players and their team. Both for them and for us, it is a difficult situation in terms of going forward.”