Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Qatar coach Felix Sanchez credited his players’ calmness under pressure as the key to their 1-0 victory over Iraq to advance to the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup UAE 2019. Sanchez’s successfully negotiated the first knockout phase hurdle – defeating Iraq in the last 16 match– and now switches his attention to Friday’s quarterfinals game against the Republic of Korea. Following an incredible group stage run; Qatar led by coach Felix Sanchez bolstered their label as the tournament’s dark horses courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Iraq at Al Nahayan Stadium. “We had very good starting 20 minutes, but soon after it was Iraq who pressed and were very committed in every challenge which helped them to dominate the rest of the first half. In the second half, we managed to gather ourselves and play the way we are accustomed to, and after the goal we could’ve added another, the Iraqis pushed forward in the closing stages and were depending on long balls because they are very strong in aerial balls but we stood our ground and showed character and resilience”, Felix said about the tense matchup. “We all knew this wasn’t going to be an easy game but we had confidence that whether we were put under pressure or however the game went that we could keep our concentration and persevere, and I think we showed that here,” the Spaniard said. “As you saw by the way we started, it was obvious what our game plan was. We wanted to apply pressure but also be able to defend”. “Winning is very important and facing Iraq, who are one of the top teams in Asia, was very difficult. My players played with patience, they kept a clean sheet. We now have a few days to recover and we’re focused on the next match”. As for the Korea game next Friday, “we will prepare for the game the same manner we do as always, I hope my players will recover in sufficient time because everyone saw how tasking the game against Iraq was”. He added, “Korea have one of the better teams in Asia, playing them will certainly be difficult, they are led by a world class tactician in addition to players who play at a very high level in Europe”.