SAUDI-STYLE SHOCK CAN BE COOL FOR QATS
QATAR are hoping the power of jealousy inspires them to stay at their own World Cup party.
The hosts are desperate to avoid an early elimination from a tournament that has been 12 years in the making. But a heavy defeat to Senegal today would make reaching the last 16 almost impossible.
The first week of this World Cup has been notable for the amount of shocks and strong performances it has produced.
Both Tunisia and Morocco held out for clean sheets as they drew with well-fancied European opposition in Denmark and Croatia.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia stunned the world with their comeback victory over Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
All three will be glad they failed to follow the meek early example set by hosts Qatar, who lost 2-0 to Ecuador on the opening night of the tournament.
Midfielder Ismail Mohamad is determined to turn things around and wants to use the feats of the other Arab countries as inspiration. “It goes without saying that the performance of some other squads, especially Arab squads, is making us jealous and we want to perform as well as them,” said Mohamad (below).
“We want to prove ourselves and show what we can do on the pitch. “I think that the last match is history, we are starting a new page for the next match.”
Manager Felix Sanchez refused to acknowledge the fact that many Qatar fans left the Al Bayt Stadium early in the defeat to Ecuador, but Mohamad felt the need to issue a passionate plea to supporters to get behind the side.
“I think currently the squad need the cheering more than ever before,” he added.
“We want to perform and make everyone proud.”
Sanchez has reported no new injuries in his squad and could well keep the same line-up from the Ecuador defeat.