PHOENIX, Arizona. - Qatar has been a welcomed addition to the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup, showcasing an exciting brand of football and putting up a tournament-high nine goals during the Group Stage. 

This is a team that isn't afraid to take chances and has come a long way on the defensive end after their opener against Panama which ended 3-3. Head Coach Felix Sanchez has gained some well-deserved plaudits for his team's performances and he admits he is happy to see how quickly Qatar was able to adapt to its Concacaf opponents. 

"Each [opposing] team had its own style of play...Depending on the result, sometimes we were dominating more or they were dominating more and we need to adapt [to get an advantage] sometimes," Sanchez explained to Concacaf.com. "I think our team showed personality on the field." 

Qatar relies heavily on its forwards as a catalyst for its overall style of play and both Akram Afif and Almoez Ali have delivered. The striker duo is tied for third in the Gold Cup scoring at two goals apiece. Afif is also tied for second in assists at two along with teammate Ro-Ro.

"We are very satisfied...It's been a great experience so far," Sanchez said. "It's made us even more proud to qualify for the quarterfinals because it has been a hard journey for us with three very difficult games." 

Although Qatar has been impressive in the Gold Cup so far, Sanchez is fully expecting a difficult test against El Salvador on Saturday. 

"They like to play [assertively] and in all three games, they've tried to show this type of football," Sanchez said. "They like to have a lot of players attacking so we're going to have to be ready." 

"If we have the ball, they aren't going to feel comfortable...We're going to have to be at a high level in all phases of the game." 

If Qatar is able to edge El Salvador, it could give the 2019 AFC Champions a good shot at reaching the final. This would be a pretty significant accomplishment for The Maroon.

"This would be a great achievement [if Qatar was to reach the final]," Sanchez said. "But we know we have a game tomorrow and the final is [still] very far." 

Still, it is certainly on Sanchez's mind. 

"Of course, it would be the best scenario," he said.