After losing their opener game to Ecuador on Sunday, Qatar did finally manage to score a goal in the tournament as they lost 3-1 to African champions, Senegal on Friday afternoon.
Senegal controlled the early part of the game and was rewarded with the first goal when Qatar defender Boualem Khoukhi badly bungled a clearance, the ball going nowhere. That gave Boulaye Dia a chance to sweep in and poach a fairly easy goal in the 41st minute.
Famara Diedhiou made it 2-0 with a rocket header straight off a corner from Ismail Jakobs in the 48th minute.
Qatar gained some hope when Mohammed Muntari leaped high and met a cross from Ismaeel Mohammad with his head for a goal in the 78th minute that cut Senegal’s lead to 2-1.
But Bamba Dieng clinched it for Senegal in the 84th minute with a shot that wrong-footed Qatar keeper Meshaal Barsham.
The two defeats leave them bottom of Group A with no points, and they are out of the competition.
Qatar made history by becoming the first country from Arab region to host the World Cup and now have the unwanted record of also becoming just the second home team to exit the competition at the group stage, after South Africa in 2010.
The Middle Eastern side are the reigning Asian champions but are playing in their first FIFA World Cup.
Mainwhile, Qatar coach Felix Sanchez said his side should not be branded a failure and disappointment. He said: “I do think we played a good game. When you come here you need to know where you’re coming from (as a country). If this is a failure and disappointment, that depends on expectations.
“Our goal was to be competitive. We’ve been working for so many months to be able to give a good performance.
“It’s our first time at the World Cup. If we can take part again, that would be great. It’s always useful to get more experience.”
They have just pride to play for in their last group game against the Net
