Achi news desk-
From its debut in 1970 until it took part in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, here is a look at Qatar football and the national squad.
The 20th of November will be a turning point in Qatari football. The men’s football team will play their first World Cup match as hosts, playing against Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium to kick off the 2022 World Cup.
In recent years, the Maroons have been on a roll.
Here is a timeline of the team’s journey and the sport, as well as how it has positioned itself in the Asian football pyramid:
The Qatar Football Association (QFA) was founded in 1960. It became an official member of FIFA three years later.
1970 – The national squad lose 2-1 to Bahrain in their first official match in the biannual Gulf Cup.
The Qatar Football Association (QFA) established the Qatar Football League in 1972.
Qatar wins its first international match, defeating Oman 4-0 in the second group match of the Gulf Cup in 1974. Qatar is third in the six-team competition.
1975 – The Maroons compete in the Asian Cup qualifiers but do not progress to the competition.
1977 – Qatar beat Bahrain in their first World Cup qualifier, but finished third and failed to progress from the group.
Qatar’s first participation in the Asian Cup in 1980 was managed by former Barcelona and Brazil winger Evaristo.
1984 – The squad reached the final of the Gulf Cup for the first time, but lost 4-3 on penalties to Iraq.
1992 – Qatar qualified for the Summer Olympics, where they defeated Egypt and drew with Colombia. The following year, the squad wins its first Gulf Cup, winning four of its five games.
2019 – Despite everything, Qatar wins the Asian Cup for the first time. Qatar won the championship after defeating South Korea in the quarter-finals and four-time champions Japan in the final. They only allowed one goal for the entire tournament. The following year, Qatar were selected to compete in the Copa America, where they finished bottom of the group after a 2-2 draw with Paraguay.
2021 – The squad is invited to compete in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, where it advances to the semi-finals before losing 1-0 to host USA.
