Five years after making his international debut, Qatar star Bassam Al Rawi is set to feature in the FIFA World Cup – a milestone he never expected.
“I thought that this tournament was played only by the big stars,” the defender said in a video on the Qatar Football Association’s (QFA) twitter account in what is part of the QFA’s promotional campaign for Al Annabi ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which kicks off on November 20.
“We watched the previous World Cup on television and now we are in the centre of action. I never expected that I would go into and play a big competition of the size of the World Cup,” he said.
Dubutants Qatar, who are in Group A of the World Cup along with the Netherlands, Senegal and Ecuador, are in Spain, giving final touches to their preparation.
They will meet Ecuador in the tournament’s opening game at the Al Bayt Stadium on November 20.
With the Felix Sanchez-coached Asian champions gearing up for the big challenge, Bassam said home fans can play an important role in team’s strong show in the football showpiece.
“We need a strong support from fans during the World Cup. You have to come to stadiums in big numbers as we will be stronger with you,” he said.
Al Rawi also praised coach Sanchez, saying players have good understanding with the Spaniard, who also guided them to the Asian Cup 2019 triumph.
“He is a respected coach and a friend to us. He is also close to everyone and knows when to joke and play with you and when it is time to be serious,” Bassam said.
The defender said there is great harmony among all players of the national team.
“When we joined the national squad from the Olympic team we quickly integrated into the group with big stars such as Hassan Al Haydos and Abdel Aziz Hatem. It is still the same. Any new player who joins quickly merges because there is no bloc or racism within the team because we are one team,” he said.
Bassam played a key role in Qatar’s Asian Cup triumph as he scored against Iraq to help his side reach the final. He scored his first international goal against Lebanon in the same event.
After meeting Ecuador in World Cup opener, Qatar will play their second match against African champions Senegal on November 25 at Al Thumama Stadium and will face the Netherlands in their last Group A match at Al Bayt Stadium on November 29.