Gulf Cup: Qatar semi-final clash of 2 big teams, says Saudi coach

Doha, Dec 4 (IANS) Head coach Herve Renard is relishing Saudi Arabia's Gulf Cup football tournament encounter against Qatar on Thursday, describing it as a meeting between "two big teams.""It is good to face a strong team who are the Asian champions. We (also) have an excellent team and good players."I know Qatar are doing well and are a capable team. I congratulate Qatar head coach Felix Sanchez for his good work," Renard was quoted as saying by www.the-afc.comBoth teams overcame tough starts to reach the semi-finals, with Saudi Arabia suffering a 3-1 defeat to Iraq and Qatar also losing 2-1 to Iraq.Qatar bounced back with wins over Yemen (6-0) and the United Arab Emirates (4-2) as Group A runners-up while Saudi Arabia topped Group B after defeating Bahrain (2-0) and defending champions Oman (3-1)."I am excited about this match because it will be between two big teams, and in a stadium full of fans."This is the fun of football. It is true that our fans will be less, but I have trust in my team. It will be a beautiful match and we will work to prepare for it as required," he added.Both teams are bidding to win the Gulf Cup for a fourth time.Qatar's last victory was in 2014, when they beat Saudi Arabia in the final.Saudi Arabia have been waiting even longer, as the last of their triumphs was in 2003-04.
--IANS dm/kk/bg