Qatar don already book their place for semi-final of Arabian Gulf Cup ‘Gulf 27‘, but their coach Julen Lopetegui no dey treat UAE match as dead rubber. The Spaniard know say the UAE get credentials to compete for title.
For press conference, Lopetegui name UAE among strongest contenders to lift trophy. He want full concentration even though time to prepare short. ‘We must be present against UAE team, which is one of leading candidates to win title. We know that we do not have enough time to prepare, but our focus will be directed at this clash,’ na so him talk.
‘We have qualified for semi-finals, but first we have to play UAE match,’ he added. ‘We want to maintain group’s readiness and avoid injuries, as well as work on preparing players psychologically for match.’
On Akram Afif, Lopetegui clear say him happy with forward level and role. ‘Akram has made great sacrifices in position he plays, and he is capable of scoring at any moment,’ he said. ‘I am very happy with level he has produced alongside rest of his team-mates, and I am not worried about his presence in depth of pitch.’
The Spanish coach also reveal say him go watch Saudi Arabia vs Iraq to study potential semi-final opponents. ‘I am in love with football, and I will follow Saudi Arabia and Iraq match to spot positive points in each team before our clash in semi-finals,’ him explain.
Qatar captain Hassan Al-Haydos back him side readiness for test. ‘UAE is a renewed and strong team, and our clashes against them are always tough,’ him stress. ‘In my early days I played against giants of Emirati football, such as Ismail Matar, Ali Mabkhout and Omar Abdulrahman, and it is our duty as players to respect opponent.’
When dem ask about him future and retirement timing, Al-Haydos philosophical. ‘Continuity on football pitches is a grace from Lord of the Worlds, and there is no set date for taking decision to retire. I always tell players: when desire and passion end, player can announce him retirement. Since I was young I have loved tennis, as well as football.’
Another report say Lopetegui dey watch Saudi Arabia vs Iraq match before Qatar game against United Arab Emirates in Gulf Cup 27, to benefit from details and understand potential opponent for next stage. The Spanish coach state say him go watch match out of interest in football, but priority remain preparing Qatari national team for UAE and working to reach best condition before game.
Lopetegui describe UAE as one of top contenders in tournament, emphasize need for him players to focus on match itself, especially with short preparation period and need for all elements to be fully ready. He praise Akram Afif after position change in recent matches, confirm say player make sacrifices to fulfill required role and serve team, while also show say him fit score and create chances. Qatar coach express satisfaction with Afif performance and that of other players, confirm say no concern about him appearance in midfield, while emphasize continuation of collective performance in upcoming matches.
For Saudi Arabia side, Greek coach Georgios Donis, manager of Saudi national team, don settle outline of line-up wey go face Iraq tomorrow, Tuesday, in third and final round of group-stage matches at ‘Gulf Cup 27’ wey currently dey hold for Jeddah. Saudi Arabia already book semi-finals before this final round. But Iraq clash still matter. Top spot for group still dey up for grabs, and coaching staff want close out group stage on high and give players extra lift before knockout rounds.
Donis expected to lean on players capable of executing him tactical ideas while keeping balance between lines and treating Iraq with caution, especially given injuries wey hit Saudi squad during tournament. Expected line-up for Saudi Arabia against Iraq: Goalkeeper: Mohammed Al-Owais. Defence: Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Jihad Zikri, Muteb Al-Harbi. Midfield: Mohamed Kanno, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat. Attack: Abdullah Al-Salem, Hammam Al-Hammami, Sultan Mandash.
Qualification secured, but meeting with Iraq still carry weight. It offer Saudi Arabia chance to seal top spot for group, and it let Donis gauge readiness of players him trust before knockout tie ahead.
