Doha [Qatar], June 22: Qatar's national football team is doing its best to overcome the setback of their unexpected big loss to Canada in their last Group B game at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Defender Pedro Miguel, while speaking to reporters at the team's base camp in Santa Clara on Sunday, apologised to Al Annabi fans and said that the team is now gearing up for the clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday (June 24).
"I would like to apologise to the Qatari fans who traveled thousands of kilometers to support us. We know how saddened they are by the result (vs Canada), and we players feel even more pain because we know the value of the jersey we represent and the responsibility placed upon us," said Miguel.
On what could have caused such a reversal, the 35-year-old said, "I think due to the unideal start. We conceded an early goal that gave the Canadian team a significant psychological advantage, and then the red card made things even more difficult for us. When you play against a strong team on their home ground, in front of their fans, and you're down to ten men, things become extremely challenging."
Miguel stressed that while they tried to stop the slide, the gap widened. "We tried to regroup after the first red card, but small details played a significant role in widening the gap.
"At such a level, any mistake is immediately punished. We tried to get back into the game but we faced an opponent who capitalized on almost every opportunity, and as time went on, the match became increasingly difficult for us."
The player however stressed that the team knows its responsibility and that the players are trying to overcome the loss and look ahead.
"All players feel fully responsible for the result, and we are not shirking responsibility or making excuses. When you lose by such a margin, you have to be brave enough to admit that the performance wasn't up to the mark. We are all responsible."
On the big swing from making a stellar comeback against Switzerland in the opening match of the World Cup to the shock loss against Canada, Miguel said it however does not show the true level of the side.
"I believe that what happened does not represent the true nature of this team or the quality of its players," he said.
"Football can be incredibly cruel. Some days things go your way, and other days everything goes the other way. The important thing now isn't dwelling on this match, but how we respond and show our true character in the next one."
About how does the team aims to re-emerge, Miguel said, "Despite the sadness and the painful loss, I have seen a positive spirit among the players. Yes, we are disappointed, but no one has given up or raised the white flag. Everyone is talking about the need to get back on our feet quickly and prepare for the next match in the best possible way.
"The Qatari national team still has a strong motivation to finish the tournament on a high note, and we still have a very important match ahead of us. We will fight to win and to make our fans happy. We cannot allow this loss to undo all the work we have done in the past.
"We need to regain our mental balance first, then our physical balance. That's the real challenge now. The players have had a physically and mentally exhausting match, but we have a group of experienced players who know how to handle these situations."
On being asked if their is any pressure on the players to perform, he explained: "Let me assure you that participating in the World Cup is a great responsibility and an honour for any player. Reaching the World Cup is every footballer's dream. We understand the value of being here and we know that an entire nation is watching us and expecting a lot from us. Therefore, we will give our all in the next match and play calmly and with focus, without any pressure, and to always perform at our best."
Qatar's coach Julen Lopetegui has been backing his side all the way through. And Miguel said the team has his confidence. "The national team has complete confidence in the coaching staff led by coach Lopetegui. We have a highly qualified and experienced team. We will work together in the coming days to correct our mistakes and prepare in the best possible way."
The player in his message to the fans promised of the team putting up a big fight especially with the chances of making the next stage still open.
"I say to the Qatari fans, thank you for your unwavering support. We know you are just as sad as we are, but we promise you that we will give it our all in the next match. We will fight until the very last minute for the Qatari flag and to make you happy. This loss is truly painful, but it will not break our spirit or make us stop believing in ourselves.
"I would say that great teams are measured by how they react after difficult moments, and now is the time for us to show the true character of the Qatari national team. We will hold our heads high and continue to fight till the end."
Source: Qatar Tribune
