The Peninsula
Qatar coach Felix Sanchez on Wednesday praised the fighting spirit of the Al Annabi players against Colombia in their second Copa America match.
Duvan Zapata’s 86th-minute winner at the Morumbi Stadium meant that Colombia clinched a hard-fought 1-0 win over the Copa America guests on Wednesday.
“We played against one of the best teams in the world,” Qatar coach Felix Sanchez said after the match.
“Despite the loss, we competed until the final whistle. This will give us strength to keep working and preparing for the future,” the Soanish tactician said.
Colombian skipper James Rodriguez, who played a vital part in earning the winning goal with a another great assist in a crucial moment, said Qatar played very defensively.
“They played very defensively, relying on counterattacks,” Rodriguez said.
“We kept trying and in the end it was a fair result.”
Qatar, making its debut in the South American tournament, had opened with a brilliant 2-2 draw against Paraguay after trailing by two goals.
The hosts of the 2022 World Cup remain with chances of advancing despite Wednesday’s loss.