Team spirit driving Qatar's success

Abu Dhabi: Qatar's strength as a team is why Felix Sanchez's side have been turning heads in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.

The West Asians showed great mental strength to overcome a stiff challenge from Lebanon to prevail 2-0 on Matchday One, following that up with a 6-0 win over DPR Korea to leave them needing just a point against Saudi Arabia in their final Group E match on Thursday to seal top spot.

Two players who have particularly caught the eye are forwards Almoez Ali and Akram Afif but goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb, in acknowledging the contributions of the two, said a collective effort is driving Qatar's success.

"Almoez and Akram are very good players and with the help of the other players, have helped Qatar progress. We are one team - whether the 11 players who start, those on the bench and the coaching staff," said the Al Sadd player.

Ali has five goals to his name - with four of them coming in the win over DPR Korea - while Afif, although having yet to find the net, has been a piviotal player in Qatar's UAE 2019 campaign.

"Our strength, as I said, lies in our team spirit. The coach (Felix Sanchex) has prepared us well, whether in attack or defence."

"Our spirit is high as we really want to do well in the Asian Cup. We have worked very hard and will continue doing so as we want to progress as far as we can in the competition."

Al Sheeb said Qatar are looking forward to playing Saudi Arabia, which he said would be a tough test.

"When we came here, it was with the plan of taking it one game at a time. After two wins, our confidence has been boosted. We will prepare well for the match and our aim is to get the three points."


Source: the-afc.com