Alkass Digital
Aiming to take perfect record into the knockout stage of the Asian Cup, defending champions Qatar will go all out for victory against China today, head coach Marquez Lopez said yesterday.
Having already secured top spot in Group A after impressive wins against Lebanon and Tajikistan, Qatar are likely to rest key players for the game at Khalifa International Stadium, with Lopez saying all his 26 players are capable of giving a good show.
Aleksandar Jankovic-coached China know a victory in their last group match will give them a spot in the Round of 16 after his side played goalless draws against Tajikistan and Lebanon, who will square off in other group match at Al Thumama Stadium the same time.
Lopez hinted at making changes but said he would expect another victory from his side, which will be Qatar’s 10th consecutive win at the Asian Cup.
“We have great respect for the competition and for this Cup,” the Spaniard told a pre-match press conference.
“We’re going to enter this game fully aware that we should win, but we have to note that we should also do what’s convenient for us, so we will use the right players. That doesn’t mean we’re going to amend the formation or use less effective players. We have a roster of 26 players and they have a high level of performance,” he added.
“A game in a championship such as the Asian Cup is big motivation for any player, to go out and win and put in an excellent performance. We know there will be 40,000 or 50,000 Qatari fans wanting to enjoy their team winning. It will not be a walk in the park.
"We will be there to compete and play respectfully against our rival and to give the best image to the fans of their team.”
Jankovic said knowing China have their knockout stage fate in their own hands will help the side in the crucial match.
“It’s a privilege before the last game of the group stage that everything depends on you. It’s a privilege for a sportsman that he can decide his own destiny and that’s a clear message,” he told reporters yesterday.
The coach was not concerned about Qatar’s possible rotation in the match as all of his focus was on his team.
“I can do nothing to know which kind of line-up they will have and which kind of players they will use, it’s up to them. I will prepare the game, the way of playing will not change. I am focused on ourselves, on our way of playing, how to defend, how to attack, exploring spaces and weaknesses that every team has, Qatar also, and how to win the game,” said Jankovic.
“It’s very simple: it’s 11 v 11 on the field, 90 minutes, win the game to go through don’t look around, don’t follow other results, don’t look at other groups, don’t look at the other game. It’s very, very simple.”
China have won three out of four matches in previous Asian Cup fixtures between the two sides with Qatar winning their most recent game in 2011.
Group A - Qatar vs China
Previous meetings: Qatar have lost three of their four matches against China in AFC Asian Cup history, winning once; however, this victory did come in the most recent fixture between the two sides in 2011 (2-0 in the group stage).
Streak ends: China have drawn two consecutive games in the group stage of a single AFC Asian Cup campaign for the first time since 1992; only once have the East Asian side failed to win each of their first three group stage games in a single edition of the tournament (1980).
Rock solid defence: Qatar have won and kept a clean sheet in each of their last five group stage games in the AFC Asian Cup; only South Korea (6) and Iran (7) have done so in more consecutive group stage games in competition history.
Dependable Almoez Ali: Qatar's Almoez Ali has made 11 goal contributions in his total five group stage appearances in the AFC Asian Cup (8 goals, 3 assists), including at least one goal contribution in each of these five games.