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Ramez Dayoub's poor backpass ultimately cost the Cedars a good start to final round qualifying, while Qatar boss Paulo Autuori was delighted with the away victory

Lebanon coach Theo Bucker believes his side should have earned at least a share of the spoils in their 1-0 loss in their opening final round 2014 World Cup qualifier at home to Qatar on Sunday.

The German was left to lament Ramez Dayoub's poor backpass which presented Sebastian Soria which the decisive chance of the game on 63 minutes.

Lebanon had otherwise been impressive and in control with Bucker's counter-attacking 4-5-1 formation working as planned, after weathering the early onslaught from the visitors.

Bucker insisted his side deserved a draw from the game, with Youssef Mohamad spurning a gilt-edged late opportunity, while Abbas Atwi struck the woodwork in the first half.

“We were unlucky tonight as we should have at least got a point from the match," Bucker told reporters after the defeat. "We awarded Qatar three valuable points after a defensive mistake which has cost us the game tonight."

Lebanon's next game at home to Uzbekistan on Friday June 8, before they make a difficult trip to South Korea four days later.

Bucker added: “We will try our best to make a good comeback and work on the mental side with the players especially because we will be playing two more matches in the next nine days and it will be very difficult for us."

Qatar boss Paulo Autuori was delighted to take home the three points after limited preparation time.

“Despite working together only for a short period of time ahead of this match, our players could show a good level," he told reporters.

"I had told my players that they should be ready to face all sorts of challenges. We were up against a strong opponent, but we showed real character and maturity, and executed our strategies very well. I’m happy with them."

The Brazilian insisted it was a taxing game and wanted to give his side a chance to rest ahead of Friday's clash with South Korea in Doha.

"The match was difficult for us and we will give the players rest after this hard match," he said. "We will look forward to the next match as it will be harder and hopefully we can get a good result.”

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