Lopez optimistic despite Qatar’s sluggish start

Head coach Marquez Lopez remained positive despite Qatar having to settle for a 2-2 draw against North Korea in Group A of the 2026 World Qualifiers on Tuesday.
Akram Affif cancelled out Ri Il-song’s opener with Almoez Ali giving Qatar the lead just before the break, however, North Korea fought back to level the tie through Kang Kuk-chol as both teams registered their first point after opening day defeats. “We started the match with the goal of winning, which was reflected in our attacking formation and our performance throughout the two halves,” said Lopez.
“We controlled the match and dominated its course and were close to achieving victory but the circumstances changed after half-time, due to the rain, so the draw came with the taste of a loss. Both teams were on equal terms in the first half but we were better for most of the periods and managed to equalise early. After the red card for the Korean player, we made offensive changes in order to score and we came out winners in the first half.”
North Korea equalised in the second half following Kang’s set-piece but despite Qatar having the lion’s share of possession when the match resumed, the two-time AFC Asian Cup champions could not convert their chances.
“In the second half, North Korea equalised from a set-piece and it is true that we were superior in numbers but the rain-soaked pitch did not allow us to move quickly and pass the ball comfortably, especially with the defensive formation of the Korea team, so we were unable to score.”
Lopez, however, remains confident of Qatar’s chances ahead of their fixtures against Kyrgystan and Iran in October. “Even though we have one point from two matches, we still have eight games ahead of us. We will do our best to achieve victories and gain the points that will enable us to compete strongly for qualification with the teams in Group A,” he said.

Japan coach slams Bahrain fans after rout
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu hit out at Bahrain fans for trying to distract his players with laser pointers and booing his country’s national anthem during their World Cup qualifying clash. Japan won 5-0 in Manama to continue their impressive start to the Asian qualifying third round, following last week’s 7-0 home thrashing of China.
But Moriyasu was incensed by fans who aimed a green laser light at striker Ayase Ueda’s eyes as he prepared to take a first-half penalty, which he scored. The coach was also left fuming after home fans booed the Japanese anthem before the game at Bahrain’s National Stadium on Tuesday.
“Different countries have different cultures and worldviews and I want to accept that diversity,” said Moriyasu. “But I would like to see an end to the booing that happened during the national anthems at today’s game, and the attempts to obstruct my players, which could have done them physical damage.”
Ueda kept his cool despite the distraction and tucked his penalty past goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfalla to open the scoring in the 37th minute.
The Feyenoord striker doubled Japan’s lead early in the second half before Hidemasa Morita notched a brace and Koki Ogawa scored a fifth to complete the rout. “The Bahrain team were able to compete in a very fair manner and I would like the fans to do the same,” said Moriyasu.
Japan’s win put them clear at the top of Group C after two games, two points ahead of Saudi Arabia. The top two teams are guaranteed a place at the 2026 World Cup, with the third and fourth-placed sides going into a further round of qualifying.
Japan play Saudi Arabia away in their next game, on October 10, before taking on Australia at home five days later. Moriyasu brushed off suggestions that Japan had it easy.
“We didn’t create many chances in the first half today and Bahrain had their own opportunities to score,” he said. “I’m glad that we were able to ride that out. The final score was a big win for us but it wasn’t an easy game.”

Australia ‘disappointed’ with Indonesia draw
Australia football head coach Graham Arnold said his side were “extremely disappointed” after their goal-drought continued into a second World Cup qualifier, this time leading to a 0-0 draw with Indonesia in Jakarta. The Socceroos dominated in front of almost 80,000 fans at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, but sit second-from-bottom of Group C with a single point from their opening two qualifying games.
Australia again failed to score following their shock 1-0 defeat at home to Bahrain last week in their opening qualifier. The Socceroos had 19 shots against Indonesia and dominated possession to force 15 corners, but still could not hit the back of the net. “It was a vastly improved performance, but we’re extremely disappointed because how many chances do we create? How many chances do we give?” said an exasperated Arnold. “It’s been a common theme for over a year.”
Arnold praised his team for dominating the game despite the hostile home crowd, but rued the result. “The boys put in the effort. They all admitted their performance wasn’t good enough in the first game (against Bahrain),” he added.
Australia next face China in Adelaide, then Japan away in next month’s qualifiers, but the Socceroos boss insisted there was no cause for concern. “There are eight games to go, so it’s not a disaster, but I have to go home and do a lot of thinking.”
Bayern Munich teenager Nestory Irankunda had Australia’s best chance of the game when he hit the post after half an hour.