Eight years since the scandal in Russia: time for Lopetegui's debut

It seems as if all the attention in the announcement of the Qatar-Switzerland duel, the second match in Group B, is focused on the coach of the Middle Eastern country.

Katara sits on the bench. Đulen Lopetegui, a former Spanish goalkeeper and a man who is still waiting for his World Cup debut, even though he traveled to Russia with the Spanish team in 2018.

Lopetegui, of course, was the coach of the "red furies", but he was dismissed two days before the start of the World Cup because, without the knowledge of the Football Association, he had agreed to take over Real Madrid after the competition.

The FS did not hide their disappointment, they saw off Đulen and placed their trust in him. Fernando Jeru, and Lopetegui himself did not stay long at the "royal club". The message from the Spanish public was harsh:

“Real i Florentino Perez "they carried out a coup d'état."

Eight years later, Qatar has no fear that the same thing could happen to Spain, but it wants its second appearance at the World Cup - after its debut in 2022 - to be more successful.

Lopetegui's first rival is probably the toughest in the group - Tonight at 21pm they meet Switzerland in Santa Clara (California).

- We are aware of who we are and how much we can do. That is the point from which we should start. I know that all our rivals are happy to play against us, but we should not bow our heads because of that, but rather the opposite - to play with pride - said Lopetegui.

Qatar did not win a single point at the 2022 World Cup, where they hosted the tournament, scoring one goal in three matches.

- Switzerland awaits us, one of the best teams in Europe in recent years, and Canada is the strongest team in North America. And Bosnia and Herzegovina? On the way to the World Cup, they eliminated Wales and Italy. All three teams have a lot that makes them favorites against us - added Lopetegui.

The Swiss know that many see them as the strongest force in Group B, but the preparation period for the World Cup was not exactly ideal. The captain spoke about it Granite Jack, also told the selector Hakanu Jakinu and to his teammates that they have to shake things up if they want to be competitive at the World Cup.

Experience - that should be the biggest asset of the "sages" in the group.

- I'm sure we'll be right. The way we train tells me that. Qatar? Of course we're the favorites, but the first game is often the hardest. That's why we have to be patient and aware of our capabilities - said Yakin.