Tuesday, June 2nd 2015 01:00 PM
HAMILTON, New Zealand: Qatar coach Felix Sanchez on Tuesday 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 Wednesday'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 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, on Wednesday 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
on Tuesday.
"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 are 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," Sanchez said.
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 3-0 to Portugal on Sunday.