Qatar Tribune
Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Ambassadors Khalid Salman and Adel Khamis have advised the lucky 26-man Qatar national team players who will be chosen to stay focused and enjoy every moment of the biggest football showpiece, while aiming for victory ahead of their first match against Ecuador on November 20.
The Maroons will play their final friendly against Albania tomorrow before returning to the country for their final phase training camp at the Aspire Zone. Coach Felix Sanchez is expected to name his 26-man squad before FIFA’s November 14 deadline.
Legend Khalid Salman, a member of Qatar’s national team, is a member of the country’s golden generation. He was a member of Qatar’s second-place finish at the 1981 FIFA World Youth Championship in Australia, where he scored three goals against Brazil. He was also a member of the Olympic team that competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California, where he shone and scored two goals against France.
In an interview with the Qatar Tribune, the World Cup ambassador said of Qatar’s first match against Ecuador in November, “Since it is their first World Cup experience, my advice is that they should enjoy it and keep everyone talking about it.
“We are not asking the boys to qualify from their group, but rather to enjoy and keep a signature of the World Cup with decent performances.”
He went on to say about the World Cup is for the Arab world and not only for Qatar, “In my dream I am wondering how a small country Qatar is ready for the World Cup. I am very happy everyone is talking about the World Cup 2022 in Qatar. The World Cup isn’t just for Qatar but for the Arab world.
Salman described the first goal against France at the Los Angeles Olympics as an unforgettable goal in his career.
“That goal is unique. While we were playing counter-attacks, Ibrahim Khalfan passed the ball to me, and I scored with my left foot despite the fact that I normally play with my right,” he said.
Adel Khamis is one of the best defenders who played for Qatar. He won the Gulf Cup with Al Annabi in Doha in 1992, which is one of his most notable accomplishments because he played an active role in that tournament, which Qatar won for the first time.
The World Cup ambassador reiterated Salman’s point of view, saying, “The players should be focused and relaxed, with no pressure.” Hopefully, they win the first match against Ecuador because the first match is crucial. If we win the first game, anything is possible, including advancement from the group.
“I am under pressure and waiting for the referee to start the first game,” the firmer Qatar international defender said, with the World Cup starting in less than two weeks. Stadiums, infrastructure, transportation, and fans are ready.”
Adel, who made 53 appearances for Qatar between 1984 and 2000, said the match against Kuwait in the 1992 Gulf Cup was the most memorable for him.