Qatar relish proud World Cup moment

Doha, Qatar: Celebrations continued yesterday after Asian champions Qatar sealed a memorable 2 1 victory over the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday nigh...

Doha, Qatar: Celebrations continued yesterday after Asian champions Qatar sealed a memorable 2-1 victory over the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday night, securing their first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup through the Asian qualifiers.

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received the Qatari national team heroes at Lusail Palace to congratulate them on their historic achievement.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani and the Personal Representative of H H The Amir H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

Also present were Chief of the Amiri Diwan H E Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khulaifi, Minister of Sports and Youth and President of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation H E Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani and President of the Qatar Football Association Jassim Rashid Al-Buainain along with a number of senior officials.

Led by head coach Julen Lopetegui, Qatar displayed remarkable resilience in the must-win Asian qualifiers play-off. Second-half headers from Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel, both assisted by Akram Afif, gave the home side a commanding lead.