We must exploit scoring opportunities, says Al Saadi

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Thursday, June 4th 2015 07:54 PM

HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND: Qatar team regular AhmedAl Saadihas urged his team mates to exploit goal-scoring opportunities in their last group game against Senegal at FIFA U-20 World Cup. Qatar lost to a powerful Portugal who scored two goals in each half for a 4-0 win in their Group C clash in pelting rain on Wednesday night. "We did not take advantage of the opportunities we had in the game. We must exploit the goal scoring opportunities and minimize the mistakes," AlSaadi said. "We probably did not get enough chances to score as we got against Colombia. Also, there were some mistakes from us which allowed Portugal to score the goals," 19-year-old said. "Hopefully we will rectify our mistakes and create chances to score," the Belgium-based forwardsaid. When asked about the bad weather impacting the play on the pitch, Al Saadisaid: "We have played in similar conditions during the Asian Cup U-19. It did slow us down but that was not an excuse." He added: "What matters is we were up against a quality European side, one of the strongest outfits at this competition". Qatar, AlSaadi said, must deliver against Senegal who held Colombia to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday. "Our game against Senegal is our last chance of going forward in this tournament. We will do everything to turn things around. We want to qualify and we will give our best," he said. Defender Tameem Almuhaza said: "We committed far too many mistakes (on Wednesday). I think that was the main reason for the defeat. Also, I guess we were not ready (enough) to play in such cold conditions and with such heavy rain." He added: "We know we have to close the file on this match. We need to focus on the next match, It is a must-win situation for us. We hope that we give a better account of ourselves against Senegal." Defender Bassam Hisham said: "Yes, we had very tough competition against Portugal. We missed more than one opportunity to score. I thought we were a bit unlucky not to score goals though we did get some chances. It is goals that win you matches." Bassam stressed that Qatar still stood a chance to qualify for the next round. "Yes, it won't be easy but we should not give up hope of qualifying for the next round. It will not be easy but definitely not impossible. Hopefully we will put in top efforts to get the win," the 17-year-old said.