Team Qatar aim to keep up winning streak
Doha: China’s head coach Aleksandar Jankovic said it was a “privilege” that his team have their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 fate in their own hands as they go into their final Group A meeting with hosts Qatar on Monday knowing a win will take them into the knockout rounds.
Draws against Tajikistan and Lebanon mean a win will guarantee the two-times AFC Asian Cup runners-up a place in the last 16 while a draw could also take Jankovic’s side through to the next phase of the competition.
“So many times you do everything, you play well and you do well but you don’t depend on yourself, you have to listen and see what’s happen all around,” he said.
“It’s a privilege before the last game of the group stage that everything depends on you. It’s a privilege for a sportsman that he can decide his own destiny and that’s a clear message. And that’s why I say it’s a privilege because we depend on ourselves.”
Jankovic’s team will take on a Qatari side that has impressed so far in the competition, winning both of their first two games to not only qualify for the Round of 16 but also seal top spot in the group with one match remaining.
As a result, the prospect has increased that coach Marquez Lopez will rotate his squad but Jankovic insisted he will not focus on the identity of the players in the home team.
“I cannot have an impact on the line-up of Qatar, so I’m not concerned about this because it is over my head,” he said.
“I can do nothing to know which kind of line-up they will have and which kind of players they will use, it’s up to them.
“I will prepare the game, the way of playing will not change. I am focused on ourselves, on our way of playing, how to defend, how to attack, exploring spaces and weaknesses that every team has, Qatar also, and how to win the game.
“It’s very simple: it’s 11 v 11 on the field, 90 minutes, win the game to go through don’t look around, don’t follow other results, don’t look at other groups, don’t look at the other game. It’s very, very simple.”
Lopez admitted he will make changes to the team that comfortably won their opening two games, but the Spaniard stressed he did not expect the performance level of his side to diminish.
“We have great respect for the competition and for this cup,” he said.
“We’re going to enter this game fully aware that we should win, but we have to note that we should also do what’s convenient for us, so we will use the right players.
“That doesn’t mean we’re going to amend the formation or use less effective players. We have a roster of 26 players and they have a high level of performance.
“We will make some changes, but our main purpose will be to win with the players who will play.
“A game in a championship such as the Asian Cup is big motivation for any player, to go out and win and put in an excellent performance.
“We know there will be 40,000 or 50,000 Qatari fans wanting to enjoy their team winning.
“It will not be a walk in the park. We will be there to compete and play respectfully against our rival and to give the best image to the fans of their team.”
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