Qatar beat Russia in clash of World Cup hosts in Doha

Qatar, hosts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, defeated 2018 World Cup organising nation Russia 2-1 in a thriller at the Al Sadd Stadium yesterday.

The game, watched by 4,503 fans along with a host of VIPs, proved to be an edge-of-the-knife affair. The game, which saw four penalties being awarded, was Qatar’s first win over the Russians in four attempts.

Alexander Samedov opened the scoring for the visitors from the spot, but Qatar hit back with goals from Boualem Khoukhi and Karim Boudiaf.

Samedov struck after five minutes. In the 29th minute, Qatar’s Ibrahim Majid wasted a penalty effort. Khoukhi equalised with another penalty six minutes later before Qatar went 2-1 up when Boudiaf headed in a corner.

Picture courtesy: Doha Stadium Plus