The Peninsula
Coach Bruno Pinheiro said Qatar deserved to qualify for the semi-finals of the Arabian Gulf Cup.
Qatar booked a place in the semi-final after a 1-1 draw with the UAE in their match at Al Mina Stadium at the end of the group stage fixtures.
After collecting a total of four points, Qatar came in second place, behind Bahrain, who had seven points.
The United Arab Emirates came in fourth place with one point while Kuwait, who has won the championship ten times, placed third overall with four points.
Al Annabi will take on Iraq in the semi-final semi-finals.
“It was a complicated and a difficult match but our performance was very good, especially in the first half when we missed many chances. We deserved to qualify and advance in the competition based on the performance and efforts made by the players,” Pinheiro said.
On a question about his assessment of the players’ performance, he said: “I thank the players and the officials of the Qatar Football Association and their insightful vision for giving them the opportunity to be in this tournament and gain these wonderful experiences in front of full stadiums. To develop physically and mentally in such a short time is great news. We had only a two-week preparation period, and our young players were able to find solutions in the matches themselves.”
When asked about his lack of support from the Iraqi public, given that the Iraqi national team is part of the next match, he replied: “Of course, I will not be sad. With brotherly relations between the two countries, I am happy with my presence and my first visit to Iraq. I am surprised by the kind of welcome, hospitality and good reception we have received.”