AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023: Qatar Will Deliver Best Performance in Final, Coach Says

Doha, February 09 (QNA) - Qatar's head coach Marquez Lopez stressed the toughness of Saturday's match against Jordan in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 final.
In the pre-match press conference, Lopez said that he firmly believes his team will deliver their best performance in the final, the AFC website reported.
"It was a short turnaround, with players having only two days to recover after the semi-final (against Iran). Rest and recovery were crucial, especially considering we're facing a team we highly respect," said Lopez.
"I'm confident all my players are more than capable and deserving of playing in this tournament. I have always emphasized knowing each player's strengths and how they can contribute. Every player has played a role in getting us to where we are now. This is a fundamental part of our philosophy." "Players are not machines; they run and play hard. It's normal for their performance to fluctuate. Iran made a comeback and almost scored, but we also had chances to score. No player can maintain peak performance for the entire 90 minutes, but we were doing our best to secure the win." "In the final, there will always be pressure, especially against a team that has performed well throughout the tournament. However, we are here with the same courage and determination, aspiring only to win. That's what matters most to us.
"Ultimately, competition drives us, and each of us aims to emerge victorious. Ammouta is exceptional, having experience coaching in Qatar. We are determined to compete fiercely and play our best to win the match. Second place will not be enough, we aim to be the best in Asia." Qatar's captain Hassan Al Haydos said that Qatar have defied expectations by reaching the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 final, with the defending champions to face Jordan at the Lusail Stadium on Saturday.
"A month before the tournament, no one expected that we'd reach the final and deliver this performance," said the 33-year-old captain.
"However, working together with the coach and federation, the team is able to reach this level because of the efforts and unity of everyone." "I'm very proud to be part of this squad, of this generation of players and those who remained from the 2019 team.
"Maybe it isn't as exciting as it was in 2019 but Asian football is transforming, and matches will continue to get more difficult." "Being here and sitting here. I'm playing in the final, my team is playing in the final. Many thought we wouldn't reach the final but we the players, coach, technical team and association - we were well prepared and here we are.
"The final match will be a difficult one, hopefully, we can emerge triumphant." (QNA)