Saudi Arabia, Qatar to vie for top position in Group E

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Saudi Arabia, Qatar to vie for top position in Group E
Saudi players celebrate celebrate after scoring a goal during the match against Lebanon

Abu Dhabi - Juan Antonio Pizzi downplayed the hype surrounding the match

By Ashwani Kumar

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Published: Wed 16 Jan 2019, 8:56 PM

Last updated: Wed 16 Jan 2019, 10:59 PM

Saudi Arabia and Qatar will face-off in a high-voltage clash of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 at Zayed Sports City Stadium on Thursday. Both the teams have booked their berths for the Round 16 stage with two wins but the Group E top slot is up for grabs, which as of now Qatar occupy on better goal difference.
In the pre-match press conference, Saudi Arabian coach Juan Antonio Pizzi downplayed the hype surrounding the clash.
"We all are thinking only on footballing terms. We are not talking anything else. Both the teams have qualified to the next round but it will not change our plans.
"We will try everything possible to win and top the group. We are aware about the massive fan support here and those travelling from Saudi Arabia. We hope to fulfil their expectations."
Pizzi said he has full confidence in his players to bag three points.
"Qatar got lot of qualities. They do well as a collective unit but this will be just one of the many tests we have faced. And we have done well in all our tests so far. I trust my players to play a good game. We will be competitive," the coach said.
Saudi striker Fahad Al Muwallad said the players were prepared for the big game. "It will be like any other game. We don't want to lose any game not just this one.
"We are capable of beating any team. The coach knows how to get the best out of every player. We came here with specific goals and we want to make the fans happy."
Meanwhile, Qatar coach Felix Sanchez said they were aiming to finish as table toppers."Our previous victories have given us good confidence.
"We hope to continue the winning streak. It is just a football match. We have prepared for this like any other game. We hope the people in stands will enjoy the game," the coach added.
Keeper Saad Al Sheeb said Qatar hoped to offer a worthy show for everyone.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
 


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