Russia score late for 1-1 draw against Qatar

Qatar were held to a 1-1 draw by Russia in a friendly match after Aleksandr Soldatenkov struck late in the 89th minute at the Al Janoub Stadium on Tuesday. It was a disappointing result for Qatar, after the hosts had conceded in the stoppage time to lose against Kenya in another friendly last week.
If Carlos Queiroz had any hopes of getting his squad in shape for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, then the veteran Portuguese coach would have been left with more questions than answers.
Unlike against Kenya, Queiroz fielded a stronger XI with Akram Afif and Almoez Ali starting upfront. Both were off their best as Afif missed an open goal in the 67th minute, while Ali – playing as a centre-forward – never posed much of a threat.
Al Gharafa forward Ahmed Alaaeldin, who replaced Almoez in the second half, put the hosts in front with a superb header. Alaaeldin leaped higher than the Russian defence to connect Homam al-Amin’s cross and put the ball past substitute goalkeeper Ilya Lantratov.
But home fans were left frustrated as Russia, who were a constant threat in the second half, equalised after substitute Soldatenkov nodded home in the 89th minute. The 26-year-old planted the ball past Saad al-Sheeb off a corner kick from Maksim Glushenkov.
Qatar’s Hassan al-Haydos, who came on as substitute in the second half, said he was pleased with the team’s performance in the two friendly matches. “The performance was good overall which we can count on in the forthcoming matches as we are preparing to defend our Asian Cup title,” al-Haydos said.
“Qatar squad is one unit and each and every member of this squad is looking to give his best. These friendly matches were a good experience and we are looking forward to bringing improvement.”
Now Qatar are slated to play another friendly against Iraq next month, before they get down to serious business with World Cup Qualifiers beginning in November.