Qatar coach, Sanchez: We are motivated, excited and happy

The 2022

kicks off on Sunday, November 20 at the Al Bayt Stadium when

faces

in Group A.

In a pre-match press conference on Saturday, Felix Sanchez was asked about Qatar’s human rights records and its treatment of migrant workers.

He said:

”A lot has been said about this – some misinformation, in my opinion. Some of the comments weren't completely fair, in my opinion.

"Obviously the loss of human life in working hours is the greatest tragedy we can endure, whether here in Qatar or anywhere else in the world.

"We just hope this World Cup means all together we can work to benefit the conditions for these groups, not just in Qatar but everywhere else in the world."

Sanchez said his players are calm and motivated for the game, despite the controversies around the tournament.

"I think that the best thing that can happen to a team and a footballer is to keep calm, avoid any sort of rumours and noise around you from a football point of view.

"Obviously we don't like people criticising our country, but in terms of football strictly we managed to have a great preparation for the World Cup.

"We kept calm. We are in good form. All the players come here with the highest motivation for tomorrow. We will try to give a good performance and be competitive.

"We have to be realistic around possibilities, but we have to do well."

Qatar is in Group A with the Netherlands, Senegal, and Ecuador. However, the coach insisted that his team can compete with them.

"It's three games, and we know the level of our opponent,"

said the Catalan.

"Due to their history, their individual talent, their careers where they play, they are ahead of us.

"On paper, they should get the three points. Maybe they count on the three points already.

"But we are here to show we can be a competitive team. We will bring our 'A game' and try to get good results that will bring so much joy."

Qatar captain Hassan Al Haydos also added:

"We want to show the results of all of our hard work. God willing, we will perform much better than any game before."

Sanchez also was asked about a rumour that Ecuador had been offered a bribe to lose against Qatar.

"I said before: I think there is a lot of disinformation,"

the coach said.

 "The internet is great, but it is also very dangerous, from my point of view.

"For many years, we have been preparing, training. Together we are strong, nobody will be able to destabilise us with this criticism and statements.

"We are very motivated, excited and happy to be playing in a World Cup tomorrow. We are focusing on how to arrive with our best conditions. We don't take anything else into account."

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