Qatar ready for Korea semi-final, says coach Sanchez

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Monday, January 25th 2016 09:08 PM

DOHA: Qatar are brimming with confidence ahead of their AFC U-23 Championships semi-final on Tuesday, coach Felix Sanchez said on Monday. Unbeaten Qatar go into their last-four clash at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium with four wins in as many matches. If hosts win on Tuesday, they qualify for the football competition of the 2016 Olympic Games, Qatar's number target at the event. "It is a big game but we feel confident going into the semi-final," Sanchez said on Monday. "I think that my team is ready in all respects. "Every match is considered difficult than the previous one and we go into every match treating it as a final," he added. "We are proud to get to this stage," Sanchez said. "We have covered all bases and we will give in a determined performance," the former Barcelona coach said. "We will have all players available for this clash," Sanchez said at a pre-event press conference. "A good result will defend good fitness and high levels of concentration," he said. When asked about his young players, Sanchez said: "There are a number of players who have been with this side since they won the AFC U-19 championship in Myanmar (in October 2014). These players now have experience. They are entering a new phase. We will continue to monitor their development." In the second semi-final, Japan take on Iraq at Lekhwiya Stadium.