Doha: Qatar’s Under-14s girls suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat at the hands of Palestine in their first ever competitive match.
However, coach Monika Stabb believes this was a promising step on what is going to be a long but prosperous journey for female footballers in the country.
The brilliance of Rozeen Odeh proved to be the downfall of Qatar as the brilliant young striker scored four goals – taking her tally to nine goals in two games.
For Palestine, this was their second successive win having defeated UAE 7-1 in first match on Monday.
Stabb, however, has cause for optimism as she tries to see the bigger picture of a game in the early stages of its development.
“Everyone knew this was going to be mission impossible. Our aim was not to concede seven goals,” siad the German coach of the Qatar team
“We have to say the girls did everything they could. I am so proud of them. Our keeper was injured after a while and she kept going.
“Only two of our played have played big games. The rest have only just started to play.
“The concentration started to dip in the second half because they have never played 70 minutes before.
“I think these girls are pioneers for women’s football in Qatar. The game for girls in this country is like raising a baby. They are not even walking yet so it is a big job.
“But I am very proud of them tonight. The girls are having fun.
“We have different challenges and I know we have to respect the culture of Qatar. But there are 30 million women in the world playing football and I hope to play a part in helping more women in this country to play,” she added.
Palestine dominated the opening 15 minutes of the first half. They were camped in Qatar’s half as they flooded the penalty box.
In the second match yesterday, Jordan went top of Group B as they put ten goals past United Arab Emirates.
The Jordanian youngsters should no mercy in front of goal as they took their tally for the entire tournament to 15 goals in two days.The Peninsula
