World Cup hosts Qatar gained self-confidence by winning a friendly about two weeks before the start of the tournament. Qatar beat Panama 2-1 (2-0) in Marbella, Spain.
Qatar took a 2-0 lead in the first half within five minutes (18th/23rd). Édgar Bárcenas (66′) only scored the penalty for Panama. Qatar opens the soccer World Cup on November 20 against Ecuador.