Abu Dhabi: Hassan Al Haydos reckons that an exemplary performance by Qatar in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup would be tremendous boost for the country which will be hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022.



Qatar have appeared in the AFC Asian Cup nine times but managed to reach the quarter-finals only twice – in 2000 and 2011 – something which hurts the 28-year-old veteran of more than 100 international matches.

“It’s a very important year for us as we are competing in the Asian Cup as well as the Copa America. I have to thank the federation for Qatar getting an invite to the Copa America which is one of the toughest tournaments in the world,” Al Haydos told Qatar’s Gulf Times newspaper.

“Then we have the World Cup coming up in four years. These tournaments are part of our preparations for the FIFA World Cup.”



Al Haydos, who plays under Spain and Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez for Al Sadd in the domestic League, says Qatar have a bunch of highly-motivated and talented players ready to make an impact in the UAE and achieve their best-ever result in the history of the AFC Asian Cup.

“I think we can go beyond the quarter-finals in the UAE. We have very talented players and an excellent coach (Felix Sanchez) who has been with team for than a year,” Al Haydos said.

“On top of that we have a very supportive national federation who are in sync with the team’s requirements,” Al Haydos added.

Al Haydos said his assessment of his team’s potential is based on a string of positive results under Sanchez in 2018.

Qatar have played several friendlies in the latter half of 2018, even shocking Switzerland, the world’s eighth-ranked team, 1-0 in Lugano. They also drew 2-2 with Iceland in Eupen, besides beating Jordan and Kyrgyzstan in Doha in December.

He said these results have raised expectations among the public, but that has only motivated the team even further.

“There is no pressure on us (because of raised expectations). In fact the recent results have only motivated us. 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’s first Group E match is against Lebanon on January 9, which Al Haydos feels will set the tone for his team in the rest of the event.

Qatar also have North Korea and Saudi Arabia for company in the group.

“I think it’s a very difficult group. For example, Lebanon are a very improved team. North Korea are also strong and Saudi Arabia, of course, have won the Asian Cup three times.

“But we are also determined. Our preparations have been good. It would be great to win three points in the first match against Lebanon, and then take on other teams as the tournament progresses.

“There is plenty to play for.”

Photos: AFP


Source: the-afc.com