Qatar coach Felix Sanchez speaks to his players during a practice session at Jansen Park in Hamilton, New Zealand, yesterday. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed
By Our Correspondent/Hamilton, New Zealand
Qatar coach Felix Sanchez yesterday said his side will employ an aggressive game-plan against Portugal when the two sides clash at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
On Sunday, Qatar’s young guns went down fighting against South American giants Colombia but Sanchez on Tuesday said he won’t be pushed to press the panic button just yet.
“Portugal is also a special team. They play proper football but we will play our way. We will be doing what we have been doing the last two years,” Sanchez said ahead of today’s Group C clash.
Sanchez promised his side will not aim for a draw at Waikato Stadium.
“We are going to play a proper game to win. They play a different style of football compared to Colombia but we are going to play in the same (aggressive) manner,” Sanchez said.
Despite conceding a goal in the first half against Colombia, Qatar won widespread praise for their attacking game-plan in the second half.
“We know they are really strong but we are looking forward to the game tomorrow and hopefully we will have a good performance,” Sanchez said.
High-scoring Portugal, who beat Senegal 3-0 in their opening Group C clash on Sunday, today will play their first international against Qatar at a FIFA event.
According to coach Helio Sousa, Portugal won’t be underestimating Qatar.
“We are in another difficult match. Qatar was better in the second half (against Colombia). What we have seen from their previous games, we feel they are playing better. It will be a tough game,” Sousa said yesterday.
“We had a very good match against Senegal. We were superior and we created opportunities and we won. But now we are playing a different side.
“Qatar is a better team now than previously. They have prepared well by winning the Asian title and they have built on that. And now they are here at the World Cup,” Sousa said.
“They have played a lot of friendly games and one of them was against us. Their hard work showed at the Asian U-19 championship. They are a more pragmatic team. All of this could present a lot of difficulties,” he added.
Sanchez said Qatar is keen to get off the mark at the 24-team event.
“This match is important for us. We want three points,” Sanchez said.
“In my opinion I have to say that both (Colombia and Portugal) are very strong teams. They play very good football,” Sanchez said.
“Although we didn’t get a result in the last game but we are satisfied with our performance. We are going to play against Portugal in the same fashion as we did against Colombia,” Sanchez added.
Sousa said his players are used to playing high-profile games with short periods of rest between matches.
“We have played such competitions for a long time and one day rest is okay with us,” Sousa said when asked is his players needed more time to rest.
“Our planning is structured in such a fashion that we work with astute tactical approach ahead of games. These are the players who are used to such competitions. As we go further, we will be at our best,” he warned.
Sanchez said Qatar was aware of Portugal’s penchant to dominate on the pitch.
“Portugal is a very good team. They play well as a group and as individuals,” Sanchez said to a question. “They like to keep possession. The have a very offensive mentality,” he added.
“But whatever comes in the end, we will be happy with that. Of course I will be very happier with three points. I guess Portugal will be trying for the same,” Sanchez said. “My players feel strong and look forward to the clash tomorrow. So far everyone is fit.”
In the day’s other Group C clash, African giants Senegal will take on Colombia, coached by Carlos Alberto Restrepo, at Waikato Stadium.
Senegal, coached by Joseph Koto, are also seeking their first win of the tournament having lost 0-3 to Portugal on Sunday.
Qatar vs Portugal
*This is the pair’s first encounter in a FIFA competition.
*Portugal’s last seven U-20 World Cup matches produced a total of 29 goals (19 for Portugal and 10 for their opponents), averaging over four per match (4.14).
*Qatar failed to score in their last three U-20 World Cup matches. The Qataris have played 305 consecutive minutes since last finding the net through Mohamed al-Enazi against Russia in 1995.
Senegal vs Colombia
*The two sides have never played each other before in a FIFA competition. Their only previous skirmish was a friendly match between the senior sides in 2014, which ended 2-2.
* Colombia are yet to lose against African opponents in the U-20 World Cup, having recorded three victories and one draw against CAF representatives.
*The Colombians are undefeated in their last five U-20 World Cup matches, boasting three victories and two draws. Carlos Alberto Restrepo was in the dugout for all of those encounters and therefore remains unbeaten in the competition.
