Qatar kept alive their hopes of making 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ with a 1-0 win over Lebanon in their Group A qualifier today.
A brilliant 75th minute strike from their Uruguayan-born striker Andres Quintana, better known as Sebastian Soria, gave Qatar three points which took the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts' tally to seven in the five-team group, putting them on par with Korea Republic and Iran, while just one shy of leaders Uzbekistan.
Lebanon are the only team Qatar have beaten in the final phase of qualifying, today's win being their second over Theo Bucker's side following their 1-0 victory in June where Soria had also scored. Soria's goal was a terrific solo effort that began outside the Qatar penalty and area saw him advance with the ball a considerable distance before his cracking 40-yard strike swerved into the net, stunning the Lebanon defence.
An ecstatic Soria ran up to the stands for an extended celebration with his family members. Qatar could have doubled the margin a few moments later but the Ghana-born Lawrence Quaye found his shot, from a Soria pass, blocked by the Lebanon goalkeeper Abbas Hassan.
Qatar, however, survived a close shave later when veteran midfielder Roda Antar's powerful drive brought out a splendid save from goalkeeper Qassim Burhan, his diving effort saving a sure-shot goal. Qatar had another chance to increase their lead in stoppage time in the second-half but Quaye's shot from outside the penalty area went wide.
"This was a much needed win for us and thanks to Sebastian we are now alive in the qualifiers," said Qatar coach Paulo Autuori. "We should have played much better but a win is a win."
Bucker also praised Soria's strike, feeling that was the difference between the two teams. "The match could have gone anyway but Soria's goal proved decisive. You cannot do anything in such a situation."
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