We are ready to double our efforts, says Hassan

Kuwait City: Experienced defender Abdulkareem Hassan yesterday said that Qatar players will double their efforts against Bahrain when the two teams clash in a key Gulf Cup match today.

A win today at the Kuwait Sports Club Stadium for defending champions Qatar side will see them through to the semi-finals of the eight-team tournament.

A draw would suffice for Bahrain to secure their last-four berth from Group B. 

“We are ready to double our efforts against Bahrain. It is a difficult match for both teams but for us to emerge victorious, we have to play attacking game to get a positive result,” Hassan said yesterday.

“There is a positive mood in the camp. There are a lot of young players in the squad. The seniors are helping the junior players so that the team benefits,” the 24-year-old defender said.

“We have rested well and we feel ready going into this match. We have forgotten the previous match and our focus is on the Bahrain clash. We consider this an early final,” Hassan said. 

“We have no other alternative but to go for the win and that’s what we plan to do,” he added.

“God willing, we will do everything in our power and ambition to get this success,” Hassan, a popular figure with the media, said with his trademark smile in place.

When asked about Qatar’s feisty contest against Iraq on Tuesday when Qatar scored first through striker Almoez Ali, Hassan said yesterday: “We put Iraq under a lot of pressure in the first half. It was natural that they would also attack in the second half. They managed to get that second goal and turned that to their advantage.”

Hassan added: “There was a little lack of discipline from us on the pitch since it was a pressure match. A win on Tuesday would have helped us to qualify directly for the semi-finals. But now we will turn our attention to the match on Friday.”

Hassan said Qatar won’t be found lacking in focus and desire to win on Friday.

“We will do everything to win this match. Like I said, this is a final before the final,” Hassan said while talking to a scrum of sports reporters from Qatar.

“Nobody knows the result of the match on Friday but we know we will give it our best shot,” the tall defender said.

“The desire to win and reach the semi-finals is very high. The morale of the players is high. Our desire to win will be reflected in our performance,” Hassan said.

Hassan said he is willing to assist his team mates in attack and at the back based on the team’s requirements during a match.

“I try to extend my support whenever I can - up in front or at the back. This does not happen every game but my commitment is there for all to see. I am a defender who will do everything for the team to win,” Hassan said.

“But my general focus is at the back.

“The coach does not ask me to change my position but I adapt according to the needs of the team. I support my team mates every game,” the Al Sadd defender said.

Hassan thanked the team fans for their support.

“We get a lot of support from our fans and that has been the case here also. We want to get the win to make our fans happy,” Hassan said.