Qatar, playing as special invitees at the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2023, advanced to the tournament’s quarterfinal stage with a shock 1-0 win over Mexico at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, USA, on Monday morning.

Hazem Shehata's header gave @QFA_EN their ticket to the #GoldCup quarterfinals. pic.twitter.com/1hqpFDwrsj

— Gold Cup (@GoldCup) July 3, 2023

In the 27th minute, Hazem Shehata headed in a 10-yard cross from Musaab Khidir, marking his first-ever goal on the international stage. Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa tried to edge the ball away, but his efforts weren’t enough.

Though it was Qatar’s only shot of the match, it was enough to send them to the last eight behind Group B toppers Mexico. Qatar was tied with Honduras on four points for second place, but progressed on the back of a superior goal difference (zero to minus three).

Take me to Quarter-Final #AlAnnabi #GoldCup pic.twitter.com/QkKqX5NWq7

— Qatar Football Association (@QFA_EN) July 3, 2023

Despite having already progressed to the quarters, Mexico, known as El Tri, opted for a strong 4-2-3-1 formation against Qatar, involving all its key players.

It seemed to work, with them enjoying 77% possession, completing 90% of 648 passes and firing 25 shots at goal. However, it was Qatar who made their efforts count.

#AlAnnabi Men’s #GoldCup pic.twitter.com/QgvLM935cI

— Qatar Football Association (@QFA_EN) July 3, 2023

Qatar had opened their group B campaign with a 1-2 loss against Haiti before drawing Honduras 1-1. Qatar’s quarterfinal, against the top team in Group C, has been scheduled for July 8.

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