(REUTERS) - Qatar have what it takes to register their best Asian Cup performance when the continental showpiece kicks off in the United Arab Emirates this week, captain Hassan Al-Haydos has said.
The tiny, wealthy Arab state will make their 10th appearance in the Asian Cup and will be hoping to improve on their quarter-final appearances of 2000 and 2011.
Comprised largely of players from Al-Duhail and 2018 AFC Champions League semi-finalists Al Sadd, the Maroons are in Group E alongside Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and North Korea - the only side below them in the Fifa rankings.
"I think we can go beyond the quarter-finals in the UAE," Al-Haydos told Qatar's Gulf Times daily on Tuesday (Jan 1). "We have very talented players and an excellent coach who has been with the team for one-and-a-half years.
"On top of that we have a very supportive national federation who are in sync with the team's requirements."
The confidence of Felix Sanchez's men of advancing deep into the tournament has also been boosted by two impressive displays in international friendlies last November when they beat Switzerland 1-0 and five days later earned a 2-2 draw against 2016 European quarter-finalists Iceland.
"There is no pressure on us (because of raised expectations). In fact the recent results have only motivated us," the Al Sadd striker said.
Â
"We are satisfied with our preparations. We hope to continue with our strong performance in the Asian Cup. We feel comfortable, we enjoy the game."
Qatar have also won two more recent warm-up matches against Jordan and Kyrgyzstan before losing narrowly to Algeria and Carlos Queiroz-coached Iran, the top side in the continent.
The Jan 5-Feb 1 tournament will be a platform for Qatar to impress before they host the 2022 World Cup, their first appearance at football's biggest event.
"It's a very important year for us as we are competing in the Asian Cup as well as the Copa America," added Al-Haydos.
"Then we have the World Cup coming up in four years. These tournaments are part of our preparations for the Fifa World Cup."
Football: Man City's Sterling treated differently by British
Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich beat Werder Bremen 3-2 with two goals from Robert Lewandowski on Wednesday to advance to the German Cup final for the second straight year and keep the domestic league and cup double firmly in their sights.
Bayern reach German Cup final to keep double in sight | The
Wayne Rooney received his first red card in the MLS as DC United were thrashed 4-0 by Los Angeles FC.Diego Rossi was the hero at Audi Field with his first career MLS hat-trick, helping lead his
Sports News, 16 Aug 2014 | 15 Minute News - Know the News
It has been announced that the Tottenham Hotspur First Team squad will travel to Singapore and Shanghai as part of their pre-season tour in July in preparation for the 2019/20 season. The 2019 pre
Spurs to visit Singapore, Shanghai in July, Latest Football
Experienced Liverpool making a big statement: Juergen Klopp Liverpool beat Porto 4-1 at the Dragao Stadium on Wednesday to advance 6-1 on aggregate with their attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino all on target once again.
Experienced Liverpool making a big statement, says Klopp
3 in 4 Singapore football fans plan their holidays around
Gotze predicts Borussia Dortmund success in Champions League despite 'very difficult' group. Borussia Dortmund did not make it through the Champions League group stage last term, but Mario Gotze
Bundesliga: Gotze predicts Borussia Dortmund success in
A woman has accused Brazil soccer star Neymar of raping her in Paris, according to a Sao Paulo police report seen by Reuters. Neymar's representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Globo website, which first reported the news, said that a representative for Neymar declined to comment, awaiting details of the allegations.
Brazil soccer star Neymar accused of committing rape in Paris
Spurs to trigger Alderweireld contract extension, says Pochettino (Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino said the club will activate a one-year extension in defender Toby Alderweireld's contract to keep him at the club until 2020.
Tottenham to trigger Alderweireld contract extension
FA Cup: Pep Guardiola expects Man City to suffer in tricky trip to Newport - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola predicts his side will "suffer" against fourth-tier Newport County in their FA Cup fifth round match on Saturday but has urged his players to adapt to a battered playing surface at Rodney Parade.
Soccer: Guardiola expects Man City to suffer in tricky trip
Spurs hope to be in new stadium 'before Christmas', says Pochettino Pochettino hails Tottenham's European progress. Champions League: Pochettino confident Kane will face Madrid.
Mauricio Pochettino urges Spurs to fight for title and
0 comments:
Post a Comment