City
Epaper

Gulf Cup: Qatar semi-final clash of 2 big teams, says Saudi coach

By IANS | Updated: December 4, 2019 15:45 IST

Head coach Herve Renard is relishing Saudi Arabia's Gulf Cup football tournament encounter against Qatar on Thursday, describing it as a meeting between "two big teams."

Open in App

"It is good to face a strong team who are the Asian champions. We (also) have an excellent team and good players.

"I know Qatar are doing well and are a capable team. I congratulate Qatar head coach Felix Sanchez for his good work," Renard was quoted as saying by www.the-afc.com

Both teams overcame tough starts to reach the semi-finals, with Saudi Arabia suffering a 3-1 defeat to Iraq and Qatar also losing 2-1 to Iraq.

Qatar bounced back with wins over Yemen (6-0) and the United Arab Emirates (4-2) as Group A runners-up while Saudi Arabia topped Group B after defeating Bahrain (2-0) and defending champions Oman (3-1).

"I am excited about this match because it will be between two big teams, and in a stadium full of fans.

"This is the fun of football. It is true that our fans will be less, but I have trust in my team. It will be a beautiful match and we will work to prepare for it as required," he added.

Both teams are bidding to win the Gulf Cup for a fourth time.

Qatar's last victory was in 2014, when they beat Saudi Arabia in the final.

Saudi Arabia have been waiting even longer, as the last of their triumphs was in 2003-04.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: QatarSaudi ArabiaIraqFelix SanchezRenard
Open in App

Related Stories

NationalPahalgam Terror Attack: PM Modi Cuts Short Saudi Arabia Visit, To Return to India Early

National‘Ae Watan…’: PM Narendra Modi Claps as Saudi Singer Hashim Abbas Sings Indian Patriotic Song to Welcome Him in Jeddah

InternationalPM Modi Saudi Visit: KSA Fighter Jets Escort Prime Minister's Plane (Watch Video)

NationalDelhi Airport: Iraqi National Caught Smuggling Over 1.2 Kg Gold Concealed in Baggage; Watch Video

InternationalWhy Has Saudi Arabia Banned Visas for These Countries, Including India?

फुटबॉल Realted Stories

FootballJamshedpur FC knock NorthEast United out in Kalinga Super Cup quarter-finals after sudden death

FootballLiverpool becomes Premier League champions for 2024-25 season

FootballChhangte's strike puts Mumbai City FC in Kalinga Super Cup semi-finals

Football"My desire is to return to Mohun Bagan, but it's not in my hands": Mumbai City FC's Prabir Das

FootballKounde's late strike leaves Real Madrid gobsmacked as Barcelona lift Copa del Rey title with nail-biting 3-2 win