Stange rues missed opportunity
7th January 2019
Sharjah: Bernd Stange was left frustrated that Syria were not able to collect three points against Palestine in Group B of their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 opener at the Sharjah Stadium on Sunday.
Syria came into the game as heavy favourites with the likes of Omar Al Soma, Omar Khrbin and Mohammed Osman among their ranks.
But the Qasioun Eagles struggled in front of goal despite dominating possession for the most part of the match and were even playing with an extra man just after the hour mark.
“Looking back at the game, we tried to do everything. We changed the system and increased the pressure but we didn’t come through,” said Stange.
“We have a strong starting 11 and a equally strong bench with Mohammed Osman, Yousef Kalfa and other players but we were playing against a wall of a very organised Palestinian team.”
The German however was quick to praise his opposite number, Noureddine Ould Ali and his charges for the way they approached the game and how they contained his strikers.
“You must give respect when it is due and you must respect the tactics of your opponents. They (Palestine) played very well and made it hard for us to find the target.
“My players are very disappointed with the result. They wanted to give their best for Syria but it’s difficult to play these kind of teams, when they play compact football.
“I can’t blame anybody, just my team for not using at least a handful of clear chances to score. That’s why we are more disappointed."
Syria, who now are now two points behind Group B leaders Jordan, must win their next match against Vital Borkelmans’ men on Thursday for a chance to progress into the next round and Stange admitted that possession does not win matches.
“Possession and dominating the game brings nothing. Jordan faced a similar situation but walked away with victory.
“That’s football. One-way football over 90 minutes did not bring the result, the three points, we wanted to achieve. And now we have to look forward to the next match against Jordan."
Source: the-afc.com