SYDNEY: Qatar team manager on Thursday said his team was eyeing a semifinal slot prior to the start of the 2015 Asian Cup. Speaking after Qatar's exit from the tournament with a game to play, Fareed Mahboobon Thursday said Qatar's rivals the UAE and Iran fielded experienced sides. Qatar lost both games. "Both of our rivals fielded experienced teams," Mahboobsaid after Qatar lost to Iran on Thursday. "We had opportunities to score in both games but we could not. Initially we had targeted a semifinals berth before the start of the tournament," he said. Last Sunday, Qatar lost to the UAE 4-1. "We were in a state of shock after the first loss since we had scored first and we were playing really well," Mahboobsaid in a statement. "We need to stick to these young players since we have the nucleus of a side that can be developed into a very good side," he added. "We have to sit down and look at what went wrong," the team manager said. "I can assure you that these young players will improve and deliver when they get experience. Also, I am sure the coaching staff will also review the mistakes we may have committed," he said. "We have to learn quickly as we have an important assignment coming up - the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying games. That is important for us," he said.