It was an eventful night for Qatar boss Julen Lopetegui on Tuesday as he celebrated qualification for the World Cup after being flattened by his own player smashing a ball in his face.

Qatar beat UAE 2-1 in Al Rayyan thanks to goals from Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel, which secured them top spot in their qualification group and a place at next summer’s tournament.

The country qualified as hosts of the last World Cup but this marks the first time Qatar has come through qualifying to reach the sport’s biggest event.

It was a joyful night for Lopetegui but also a painful one after being taken out by Qatar defender Assim Madibo on the touchline.

The manager was walloped from close range as Madibo booted the ball into his face.

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