Abdulaziz Hassan, the former Qatari football star, confirmed that Al-Anabi has not performed at the usual level in the Gulf 26 so far, with the exception of the first half in the UAE match and some periods in the second half in the Oman match. Therefore, he must reconsider his calculations in the Kuwait meeting, which is considered a meeting of hope and determination of destiny. Explaining that after our loss to Oman, chances decreased and we must realize the situation of the necessity of winning.
He pointed out that the ball is still in the court and the opportunity exists, provided that Al-Anabi returns and wins over Al-Azraq. He stressed that this match is difficult because it is against the host and the audience, and it will not be an easy match at all. If Annabi wants to win, it must focus and not make mistakes, and play the match with the same lineup as the second half in the Oman match.
He said: “There were major mistakes committed by Garcia, the team’s coach, and he tried to correct them in the second half of the match against Oman. I want to know what is the secret of the many changes in the Annabi match against Amman? I think these changes confused players and caused errors. Although we were ahead by one goal, we were supposed to create the play and maintain the lead, but Oman took advantage of those mistakes and came back and advanced.” Because “our team lacks quick preparation and positive possession.”
Abdulaziz Hassan pointed out that the importance of the meeting stems from the Qatari fans’ keenness on the progress of the “Asian Champion” team and their hopes of regaining its victories. Pointing out that some matches do not need to be fun to play as much as they need to be decided by scoring goals, which is exactly the case in this match. Therefore, all team players must strive to achieve victory by all means.
Abdulaziz Hassan confirmed that Al-Anabi participated in Gulf 26 to provide the best because he is the Asian champion, explaining that holding the tournament at this time brings many benefits to the Gulf teams participating in the World Cup qualifiers in terms of playing strong matches, discovering mistakes, and reaching the features of the basic lineup.
Abdulaziz Hassan explained that the Gulf Championship is a tournament beloved by everyone and has a special status for us. He called on the players to be careful and focus, adhere to the directives of the technical staff, and implement his plan to the fullest. He also stressed the need to be careful with the Kuwaiti team in the final round of the group stage.
“He said, certainly, the Gulf Championships differ in many technical, psychological, and other ways, and they also differ from the Asian Championships and World Cup qualifiers in terms of the sensitivity of the matches and competition. Therefore, I think that all matches are open, and each team knows the other, but on the field the situation is different. We cannot expect any result based on prior data before any match. Certainly, the effort on the field and the psychological aspect control such matches.”
Abdulaziz Hassan explained: “The Gulf Championships have a great role in the development of Gulf teams and football, and our team is one of the great beneficiaries of its constant keenness to participate. This tournament has many advantages, not only on the sporting level, but also on the social level and the level of cohesion. We always support it and cherish its value.”
He stressed: “Certainly, the presence of stars enriches the tournament, and this is what we are accustomed to, and I expect that some new stars will emerge in “Gulf 26.”
Akram submitted what was requested
Abdulaziz Hassan praised the captain of our team, Akram Afif, explaining that the best player in Asia has given his best so far in light of the circumstances he is exposed to, and in turn, we all thank him for his effort, play and consistent performance. Akram is a unique player, and his presence is important and provides technical and moral motivation for the team.