Doha, Qatar: On paper, Saudi Arabia enter tonight’s clash as favourites, but standing in their way in the FIFA Arab Cup quarter-finals is a gritty Palestinian side that has defied expectations to reach the knockout stage.
Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard, who has his sights firmly set on the title with the strong squad at his disposal, is fully aware of the test awaiting the Green Falcons when they meet the Lions of Canaan at the iconic Lusail Stadium.
The Saudis became the first team to seal a quarter-final berth after back-to-back wins over Oman and Comoros, before slipping to second place in Group B following a defeat to Morocco. Ranked 60th in the world, they sit 36 places above Palestine, with stars such as Asian Player of the Year Salem Al Dawsari, Saleh Abu Shamat and goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi adding to their firepower.
Palestine players during a training session.
Renard urged full concentration against Palestine, who booked their last-eight spot after advancing from both the qualifying tournament and the group stage.
“The real competition has begun. We are targeting a place in the semi-finals and we know the match against Palestine will not be easy,” Renard said at the pre-match press conference.
“We will do our best to finish the match in 90 minutes, and of course we have to adapt to our reality and prepare with great determination to achieve our goal.”
“I congratulate the Palestinian team on qualifying first through the play-offs thanks to their faith, strength and support for the coach’s message. They will be a tough competitors for us.”
Saudi defender Murad Al-Hawsawi echoed his coach’s focus ahead of the knockout showdown.
“Our preparations were good after securing qualification for this stage, and we are fully prepared to face Palestine,” he said.
“We realise the match will not be easy and will be different from the group stage, so we will give our best. I am confident in the players’ ability to perform at the required level.”
Quarter-finals will be different, says Palestine coach
Palestine reached the quarter-finals after defeating Libya on penalties in the qualifiers, before topping Group A with a remarkable run: an opening victory over hosts and two-time Asian champions Qatar, followed by draws against pre-tournament favourites Tunisia and Syria to win the group on goal difference.
“Every match we played had a special story in this tournament, and we are happy with what we have achieved by reaching this stage,” said Palestine coach Ihab Abu Jazar.
“The Saudi national team is a strong team with outstanding players, and all our players are aware of the importance of our mission.”
“The quarter-finals will be different from the group stage, and the matches will be tougher because this stage includes an elite group of the best teams.”
Jazar also praised the crowd support his team has received in Qatar.
Saudi Arabia's Salem Al Dawsari (right) with teammates during a training session.
“We feel that all Arab fans support us, and Arabs are happy with our performance despite the circumstances we are living in.”
Palestine midfielder Hamed Hamdan expressed his determination to continue their inspiring run.
“InshaAllah we will continue the journey. We worked hard to get Palestine to the quarter-finals. I am proud to be here at this moment. I promise we will do more than the impossible in the future.”
The clash kicks off at 8:30pm, following the first quarter-final between Morocco and Syria at 5:30pm at Khalifa International Stadium.
