Qatar beat World Cup regulars Japan to win the Asian Cup in 2019
Qatar, the host nation of the upcoming World Cup, has set its sights not only on organizing a successful tournament but also on the performance of its national team. Despite having minimal football history and a population smaller than that of Leicester, Qatar has emerged as the Asian champions and aims to surprise the world by advancing to the knockout stages. How did they build a team capable of such feats? Let's delve into their fascinating journey.
Work Begins Way Before World Cup Bid
When Qatar was awarded the hosting rights for the 2022 World Cup in 2010, it raised eyebrows due to the country's limited football heritage. Qatar played its first official match in 1970 and has a small pool of players, with only a fraction of its population being Qatari nationals. However, the nation's strict citizenship policies have contributed to the generous benefits enjoyed by its citizens.
Despite these challenges, Qatar managed to achieve significant results over the years. They reached the final of the 1981 Youth World Championship, beating football powerhouses Brazil and England. In the early 1990s, they reached the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Olympics and won the Gulf Cup. These achievements laid the foundation for Qatar's football ambitions.
A Long-Term Vision
Qatar's commitment to long-term development became apparent at the turn of the century. The establishment of the £1 billion Aspire Academy 18 years ago marked a crucial step in identifying and nurturing promising talent. The academy scouts 5,000 11-year-olds annually and provides the most talented individuals with grants and seven years of intensive coaching alongside their education. The academy boasts coaches influenced by some of Europe's top clubs, such as Barcelona's renowned La Masia academy.
Felix Sanchez, who started as a youth coach at Aspire, ascended through the ranks and now manages Qatar's senior team. The continuity and familiarity between coach and players have played a vital role in Qatar's success. The team won the AFC U19 Championship in 2014 under Sanchez's guidance, and several players from the Aspire Academy contributed to their triumph in the 2019 Asian Cup.
Exposing Local Players to World-Class Talent
Besides nurturing local talent, Qatar recognized the importance of providing their players with regular exposure to high-quality opposition. Leveraging their significant wealth, they successfully attracted renowned football figures like Marcel Desailly, Pep Guardiola, Xavi Hernandez, and James Rodriguez to the Qatar Stars League. By facing such opponents, the local players not only honed their skills but also enhanced the profile of Qatari football, making it more appealing to top-tier players.
Qatar's Aim to Dazzle the World
Qatar's national team has grown and thrived together. Their hard work and long-term investments have positioned them as Asian champions and 50th in the FIFA rankings. Despite their journey involving substantial financial investments, their commitment to sustainable development has yielded impressive results.
As they approach the World Cup, Qatar aims to progress beyond the group stage and surprise the world. Their unique model, emphasizing continuity, player development, and exposure to high-caliber opponents, has provided them with a blueprint for success. With surprises always possible in football, Qatar hopes to leave a lasting impression and dazzle the world on their home turf.
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