It’s usually players writhing around on the turf after a crunching challenge but on Tuesday night Qatar boss Julen Lopetegui was laying prone on the pitch. 

The former West Ham manager was watching play from his technical area during his side’s crucial World Cup qualifier against the UAE when the ball was inadvertently booted into his face. 

Lopetegui, 58, did not exactly shake it off and was clearly hurt by the contact. 

He was seen face down on the ground, only moving slowly and appeared dazed when eventually helped back to his feet. 

Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo went to check on his manager as he was the one who had smashed the ball at him as a result of a full blooded challenge on the touchline. 

No doubt the Spaniard will forgive him the indiscretion as he helped the team to a 2-1 victory at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, securing them World Cup qualification. 

Julen Lopetegui was smashed in the face by the ball and took a while to gather his senses

Lopetegui was helped back to his feet and his player Assim Madibo apologised to him

Lopetegui was made Qatar manager back in May, four months after he had been sacked from his position at West Ham. 

He has also managed Spain and Real Madrid and won the Europa League when he was in charge of Sevilla. 

He was then tempted by the lure of the Premier League but his career has taken a downward turn in recent years. 

A short-lived spell with Wolves was followed by the Hammers but he only managed six wins in six months in east London. 

There has been positive progress for Qatar, however, and they secured the victory they needed to qualify for the World Cup on Tuesday night. 

Boualem Koukhi put the hosts ahead shortly after the break and Pedro Miguel added another 15 minutes from time.

There was a late scare when Qatar were reduced to 10 men and UAE pulled one back in stoppage time but Lopetegui’s men held of for a win that assures them of a ticket to next-year’s tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico.