Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar: Coach Felix Sanchez Bas insists Qatar can now play with less pressure in the semi-finals of the AFC U-19 Championship after a 4-2 quarter-final win against China secured qualification the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Goals from Ahmed Al Sadi, Ahmed Moin, Akram Afif and Al Moiz Ali secured victory over China at a raining humid Wunna Thediki Stadium on Friday.
And with Qatar's return to the last four of the AFC U-19 Championship for the first time this century along with a place at next year's FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand, Sanchez is now hoping his side can now relax ahead of Monday's semi-final.
"The goal was to reach the World Cup playing good, attacking-based possession football," said the Spaniard.
"I think we have less pressure going into the semis. We can try and play our game with no pressure and expectations."
Qatar beat Oman 2-1 in their final Group D game to top the table.
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"We knew what to expect from China, that they would let us have possession and not press us," added Sanchez after seeing his side maintain their undefeated record with a third win in four matches.
"We improved in bits and pieces from the Oman game and at times kept possession well, but we also turned it over too cheaply at times and made unforced errors which gave them chances.
"It's a very proud moment for all of us as a unit, we worked very hard to get where we are, as far as ambition goes, the sky is the limit, and this tournament has so far given me many reasons to be optimistic".
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