Tribune News Network
Kuwait City
Asian champions Qatar would aim to spoil Kuwait’s 26th Arabian Gulf Cup party on Friday by reaching the semi-finals at the host nation’s expense.
Qatar have just a point from two Group A matches so far, with Kuwait sitting atop with Oman on four points meaning that Qatar must win by two goals to guarantee a passage to the last four. A draw will be enough for Kuwait to finish in the top two and qualify for the semi-finals.
On the eve of the, head coach Luis Garcia said it is time for his new-look squad to step-up and be counted. “It will be a very tough game,” he admitted.
“Kuwait are doing really well in front of their fans, but we are confident of playing a good match and get this victory to go through to the semi-final. We are pleased with the recovery from Tuesday’s match despite the short time. So, I am happy with the fitness and with the mindset of the players which is very important.”
Garcia’s squad rotation has come in for criticism from some quarters back home, with young players given their chance, and he will be missing several senior players through injury and suspension against Kuwait at what is expected to be a sold-out Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium.
“We have three players injured and suspended which will affect our team because it is a short tournament and not too much time to recover,” said Garcia. “But we have a squad of 26 players and everybody is ready to help the team push to win the match against Kuwait.
“This is a very important tournament for Qatar and our young players because we can check how they perform in a big competition, so it is very important for them to show what they can do. They are doing really well and we are proud of them. “Football never stops. If we don’t try with the young players now then the future will be a problem. We need to play them. Maybe it is their time?”
Asian footballer of the year Akram Afif is expected to lead the team again and Garcia described him as “a teammate everyone would love to have”.
Meanwhile, Kuwait’s head coach said they intend to keep the feel-good factor going when they take on Qatar. The hosts secured dramatic 2-1 win over the much-fancied UAE on Tuesday, which has seen tickets for their match against snapped up in record time with a capacity crowd expected.
“It was a very difficult match on Tuesday and, of course, the players are tired, but they are optimistic for the match with Qatar,” said Kuwait head coach, Juan Pizzi.
“The fans are understandably happy because we beat a very strong UAE national team. The players returned to training yesterday and showed to me their mental readiness. They are focussed for Qatar and we will play tomorrow’s match with the aim to qualify (to the semi-finals).
“There is very little between all eight teams playing here in this tournament, as the match between Yemen and Saudi Arabia showed last night (2-3). We have full respect for all teams here, including Qatar, who are a very good side. I feel whoever has the best physical fitness will win tomorrow’s match.”
