DUBLIN, Republic of Ireland: Al Annabi defender Bassam Al Rawi has apologized to Qatari fans for the sloppy performances by the national team in the two losses against Portugal on Saturday and against Ireland on Tuesday. Yesterday, the maroons were handed a hefty 0-4 defeat at the hands of the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium. Al Rawi said after the Ireland match: "We certainly did not wish to appear at this level. In the last four matches, we did not present ourselves in the best light as Asian champions, and our appearance did not match how ambitious we are and the ambition of the fans who were waiting for good results." Coached by Felix Sanchez, Qatar lost to Serbia and Portugal in the 2022 World Cup European qualifying zone last month before drawing Luxembourg 1-1. He added: "We must look back at the individual and collective mistakes we made. We must rectify them quickly, especially since we are heading to the Arab Cup on home soil. That event is just a month away. We must re-evaluate and quickly restore our pride." The Al Duhail defender concluded: "It begins with us as players, and everyone must review himself. We hope to bounce back in the upcoming matches, starting with the next series of matches in the European qualifiers." Two months ago, Qatar reached the CONCACAF semifinals, where they lost to the United States. Sanchez's boys are preparing for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, to be held in Qatar next year. Qatar, ranked 43 globally, has been appearing in the European leg of the 2022 WC qualification phase to gain match practice ahead of the 32-team event next year.