Russia handed Qatar a tough reality check on Sunday night with a commanding 4-1 victory in their international friendly at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. The visitors stormed to a 3-0 lead by half-time and never looked in danger, while Akram Afif’s second-half strike provided the only moment of cheer for the Maroons.
Russian Blitz Leaves Hosts Stunned
Aleksandr Golovin (33’), Matvey Kisiyak (35’) and Ivan Sergeev (45’) struck in quick succession before Alexey Miranchuk (69’) added the fourth to seal the win. Russia had already signalled their intent when Aleksey Batrakov’s early header rattled the crossbar, and Qatar’s defensive frailties were repeatedly exposed thereafter. Qatar lacked rhythm and sharpness up front, and although Afif tried to inspire a fightback with a clever finish in the 62nd minute, it was too little too late.
“We Are Saddened By the Heavy Loss” – Tarek Salman
Qatari defender Tarek Salman admitted his side were well below par but urged perspective with bigger challenges on the horizon.
We are saddened by the heavy loss on our home turf. The coach is discovering new players and trying to find the right combination, but there were mistakes – many of them. The loss has happened in September and in a friendly. God willing, it won't happen in October, in the most important event.
Qatar face a crucial test next month in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian play-offs, where they share Group A with Oman and the UAE.
Afif Lifts Fans’ Spirits
The standout moment for Qatar came from their talisman Afif, who not only created but finished a fine move with Mohamed Al Manai to pull one back.
In the second half, we played the way we are accustomed to. We may have come out one-on-one, but for me, in the second half, we played with our lineup, we played the right way.
Still, Russia’s control was evident, with Sergeev and Golovin continuing to test goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham before Miranchuk’s clinical finish restored their three-goal cushion.
Contrasting Approaches
Russia coach Valery Karpin employed a fluid 4-3-3 that overwhelmed Qatar’s 5-4-1 setup under Julen Lopetegui. The result underlined the gap between the two sides: Russia, 11-time World Cup participants, versus Qatar, who are aiming to qualify on merit for the second time after hosting in 2022.
