Qatar made their World Cup bow in 2022 after securing an automatic spot in the competition as the first ever Middle East hosts.
The build up to the tournament has been dominated by off-field controversy, with criticism directed at Qatari officials surrounding their treatment of migrant construction workers, and the country's LGBTQ+ laws.
However, when the competition kicked off, the attention turned to matters on the pitch.
Qatar were unproven on the very elite World Cup stage, but guided by head coach Felix Sanchez, they gained valuable experience that should serve them in the future.
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Who is Qatar coach Felix Sanchez?
Sanchez has spent the last 16 years of his coaching career in Qatar after making the bold choice to swap Barcelona's youth system for a job in Doha.
The Catalan-born coach joined the Aspire Academy in 2006 as part of Qatar's push to develop their sporting stars into international stars within a multi-million-dollar state investment.
The 46-year-old was placed in a string of development roles at Aspire before being promoted into the national team structure as Under-19 head coach in 2013.
His rise continued with roles in the Under-20 and Under-23 teams before replacing Jorge Fossati in the top job in May 2017.
Felix Sanchez's playing style
Sanchez's early days in charge of the senior side were difficult, as despite an opening 1-0 win over Andorra, they lost six of the following nine games.
The decision to accept invitations to join the Copa America and CONCACAF Gold Cup tournaments, alongside a non-competitive spot in UEFA qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, proved crucial in their development, as Sanchez was able to test his players in a competitive environment.
Their success in the 2019 Asian Cup proved the high point of his tenure, with his squad stepping up their performances in the following 12 months.
A more proactive approach has followed, with Sanchez opting for a bold 3-3-2-2 formation, which often includes four players in the opposition's final third when in possession.
However, he is under no illusions over the need to change for the challenge of elite competition, and adjust the system to a 3-5-2 system.
"In possession, we try to manage the game, but against opponents of this level it's difficult to take the initiative and we will have to adapt," he said as per reports from Marca.
"It would be suicide to try to take the initiative if we want to be competitive. We will be compact defensively, allow minimum opportunities, and be strong in transitions."
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Felix Sanchez's Barcelona roots
Sanchez spent 10 years within the Barcelona youth set-up including coaching and player development roles at the iconic La Masia camp.
Among the graduates from Sanchez's Blaugrana teams are current and former Barcelona first team players including Sergi Roberto, Gerard Deulofeu (below) and Martin Montoya.
Despite not progressing into the first team position at the Camp Nou, Sanchez has hinted at the 'Barcelona DNA' ideals of possession-based football and positive transitional play, forming a key part of his coaching profile.
Has Felix Sanchez won trophies?
Sanchez's move into the Qatar Under-19 team was followed by an instant trophy win as they secured a first AFC Under-19 title in Myanmar.
Key players from that win have followed Sanchez on his journey through the ranks, with Akram Afif and Almoez Ali taking on a critical role.
His crowning achievement at the helm in Doha was the nation's first major trophy win in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in the UAE.
Qatar stormed through the group stages with three wins and no goals conceded en route to beating Iraq, South Korea and hosts UAE, all with clean sheets, before beating Japan in the final, with Afif and Ali on target in a 3-1 win.
Felix Sanchez contract status
Sanchez's stock continues to rise as Qatar World Cup boss with his contract extended until after the tournament back in 2021.
The Qatari FA plan to open talks with the long-time manager as long as Sanchez is open to remaining in charge with European offers likely some time away.
