AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023/ Qatar Former Goalkeeper Tells QNA Next Stage Requires More Effort

Doha, January 21 (QNA) - Former Qatar national football team goalkeeper Hussein Al Khawaja expressed his happiness at Qatar qualifying for the round of 16, adding that the knockout rounds require a different playing style and have their own calculations.

​    Qatar are leading Group A with 6 points obtained through their two victories: one over Lebanon 3-0 while the other over Tajikistan 1-0. Moreover, Qatar will face off China tomorrow at the end of the group stage.

    Al Khawaja told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that Qatar made its most important achievement in their match against Lebanon, and then scaled up their performance in their match against Tajikistan, with the coach making some changes in the team’s formation introducing some new players.

​    He underscored the need for Qatar to keep up their performance in tomorrow's match against China to achieve victory.

    The former Qatar goalkeeper said that the round of 16 confrontations have a different character and will be more challenging, something that requires the technical staff to remain focused and maintain the team's stability.

    Al Khawaja praised current Qatar goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham for his performance in the Lebanon and Tajikistan matches, keeping a clean sheet and successfully anticipating his opponents' strikers. The former goalkeeper added that Barsham will have a heavier burden in the next stage as the game heats up.

​    Al Khawaja congratulated Iraq for their historic victory over Japan, a four-titles holder.

                He said that Iraq's goalkeeper Jalal Hassan bears the responsibility for Japan's only goal, calling on him to be better focused in the upcoming matches.

    Al Khawaja concluded his statements to QNA by saying that the tournament could take unexpected turns, especially considering Iraq’s victory over Japan, and the South Korea’s draw with Jordan, giving way to surprises to present themselves. (QNA)