World NewsQatar Plot Proves Downfall for Uzbekistan |
COACH Jorge Fossati insisted his side's ability to stifle Uzbekistan was the basis for Qatar's stunning 3-0 victory in their opening Group One World Cup qualifier at Al Sadd Stadium on Saturday.
Majdi Siddiq's free-kick set the ball rolling after 37 minutes before substitute Magid Mohamed doubled the advantage after 72 minutes.Talal Al Bloushi sealed the points with two minutes remaining to get the hosts' campaign off to a fantastic start.
"We are happy with this win especially as we faced a strong team who prepared well for the game," said Uruguayan Fossati.
"We had a lot of chances to score in the game and after taking the lead in the first half we sealed the game with two goals in the second half.
"We knew that Uzbekistan would be looking to employ quick counter attacks. We created a lot of chances although we made some mistakes in converting those chances into goals."
Uzbekistan coach Rauf Inileev believed Malaysian referee Subkhiddin Salleh was largely responsible for the defeat although he conceded Qatar produced an impressive display.
"Unfortunately the referee didn't have a good game and we were denied a clear penalty in the second half when Qatar were 1-0 up," he said.
"A penalty at that time could have changed the game. Qatar's first goal also came from a free-kick which shouldn't have been given but the referee awarded it and they scored.
"But speaking about the referee's mistakes doesn't change the fact that Qatar played a good game, especially when they scored the second and third goals in the second half."
Copyright (c) 2008 Press Association
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