Lopetegui emphasises Qatar have 'right to dream' after last-gasp draw against Switzerland

Khoukhi headed in Homam Ahmed's cross in the 94th minute to cancel out Breel Embolo's first-half penalty and claim a point that left all four teams in Group B level after one round of matches.

For Lopetegui, however, the importance of the result went beyond the table.

"We achieved one dream when we arrived here, which was to be here, and now today is another little dream," the Spaniard told journalists.

"And we have the right to keep dreaming."

The late goal sparked joyful celebrations among Qatar's players after they spent most of the match soaking up Swiss pressure, with Switzerland having 26 attempts on goal to Qatar's seven.

Lopetegui said his team never deviated from the game plan, even after going behind in the 17th minute.

"We made very few alterations, but we had to stick to our plan because if you open up too early against a team like Switzerland, you will suffer a lot," he said.

Qatar stayed compact and disciplined, continuing to defend with many players rather than chasing the game, a strategy Lopetegui said was essential against a team with top-level talent throughout the squad.

"We believe, we work, we resist, we are resilient," he said. "In the end, we get one big reward."

Lopetegui had special praise for his players' mentality, saying he would have been proud of their effort even without Khoukhi's dramatic equaliser.

"I was very proud of the mentality and discipline they showed today," he said.

Lopetegui swiftly turned his focus to Thursday's match against co-hosts Canada, warning that recovery would be vital after a physically taxing contest.

Qatar have one day less to recover than Canada and must travel before the match, while many of Lopetegui's players are still getting used to the demands of World Cup football.

"Our players sometimes need more time than other players because they are not accustomed to this kind of rhythm," he said.

"We have to make a big effort to recover properly and be ready for the next big, big challenge."

For now, though, Qatar's campaign is still alive.

"It's going to be tough, difficult," Lopetegui said. "But we have earned our right."