Qatar’s Abdelkarim Hassan with team-mates.
Asian champions Qatar today take on regional giants UAE in a do-or-die clash of the Gulf Cup but coach Felix Sanchez says he is confident of a winning run at the Khalifa International Stadium where a full house is expected to watch the match.
A victory today at Qatar’s iconic sports venue will be rewarded with a semi-finals berth at the eight-team tournament now into its second week.
In their opening clash last Tuesday, Sanchez’s young side lost 2-1 to 2007 Asian Cup champions Iraq but rebounded with purpose when they crushed Yemen 6-0 in the second Group A match on Friday.
Sanchez, who was instrumental in guiding Qatar to their maiden Asian Cup title triumph in February this year, has denied his team was under pressure for the clash today.
“We are used to playing under pressure,” Sanchez said during a press conference on Saturday indicating how his players produced a seven-match winning streak at the Asian Cup while battling extreme pressures.
“Our players know the importance (of the match) and play well under pressure. This is a big positive (factor) of this generation in the team,” he said.
“My team will treat it (playing against the UAE) like a final as only a win will do for us,” the popular Spaniard said.
Sanchez urged home fans to come root for his young side that stunned the continent’s top teams in their successful Asian Cup campaign.
“It is good to have a huge number of fans present at the ground. They will support the players and that will give them more motivation to win and get three points. Yes, we recognize the importance of the presence of fans in the stands,” Sanchez said.
“We have seen in the last two games we enjoyed the support of the fans,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez, who has handled most of his young players from the U-16 level, said early dominance also helped Qatar gain momentum in their key Group A clash against Yemen.
Abdelkarim Hassan, last year’s Asia’s Player of the Year, struck a hat-trick while supported by goals from Almoez Ali (58), midfielder Abdullah Alahrak (85) and feared striker Akram Afif (89).
“I was happy that the players managed to create chances early on. It is something that gave Qatar the advantage for the rest of the match,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez said he has great respect for the UAE side.
“We fully respect all teams we face. We know the UAE side will also play for a win, given they need it to qualify, which is something that makes the game more challenging,” Sanchez said two days ago.
“We will focus on having a good game plan and will take it from there,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has approved a request made by Qatar Football Association (QFA) to excuse the presence of Afif for the Player of the Year awards ceremony, it was announced yesterday.
Afif, one of Qatar’s brightest talents, is shortlisted for AFC Player of the Year awards to be held in Hong Kong today.
Ali Al Salat, Media Coordinator of the Qatari national teams, yesterday said Afif is busy with Qatar team’s Gulf Cup campaign. The AFC Awards ceremony coincides with Gulf Cup dates.
QFA President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani will be representing the QFA along with representatives from Al Sadd Sports Club, QFA confirmed yesterday.
The match today kicks off at 5:30pm. Fans have been advised to check into the venue early to avoid rush close to kick-off time.
