Metsu: Qatar can win Cup

Qatar coach Bruno Metsu is now aiming for Asian Cup glory after his side beat Kuwait 3-0 to reach the quarter-finals on Sunday.

Hosts Qatar made a shaky start in Group A, losing their opening match 2-0 to Uzbekistan, but they turned it around with 2-0 win over China before beating dispatching Kuwait on Sunday to claim second in the group and a ticket to the knockout stage.

And Frenchman Metsu, who was originally aiming simply to pass the group stage, has seen enough of his side to believe they can go all the way in front of the home fans.

“For us the Asian Cup starts now,” Metsu said.

“It transfers from a mere accumulation of points to aiming for the trophy.”

“We have accomplished our task but our ambitions extend beyond that and it will be a great thing for all fans and players (if we can win the trophy).”

Metsu might consider himself fortunate to still be in a job after the opening defeat to Uzbekistan, with Saudi Arabia sacking their manager Jose Peseiro after an upset loss to Syria.

“In the beginning we did not represent the true picture of the Qatar team,” Metsu said.

“The players were very much influenced by the importance of the opening match. But the game against China was the starting point of the team and against Kuwait today we were better.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to say thanks to all Qatar officials for their trust in me after losing the first match against Uzbekistan and they did not resort to actions like the Saudi Football Federation.”

Kuwait came into the tournament fancied to make an impact on the back of success in the West Asian Football Confederation and Gulf Cup of Nations.

But they were ousted at the group stage, with coach Goran Tufegdzi blaming fatigue from a packed schedule.

“After we lost the first match and then lost the second, it was very difficult for our players,” Tufegdzi said.

“We did not have concentration and you saw in this match what happened as a result.”

“Our team maybe did not have much energy and power to compete, so Qatar was the better team.”

“Generally you saw all Gulf countries that played in the Gulf Cup of Nations did not perform well here, especially my team. It is very difficult to maintain the same form.”

“Our team lost their energy and power and for sure they lost their spirit when we conceded.”