Sanchez thanks lucky charm Xavi as Qatar triumphs

Xavi correctly predicted that Qatar would win the Asian Cup to the delight of coach and compatriot Felix Sanchez.

Published : Feb 01, 2019 23:20 IST

Qatar coach Felix Sanchez celebrates his side's Asian Cup triumph.
Qatar coach Felix Sanchez celebrates his side's Asian Cup triumph.
lightbox-info

Qatar coach Felix Sanchez celebrates his side's Asian Cup triumph.

Felix Sanchez wants midfield great Xavi to predict all of Qatar's results after the former Barcelona maestro successfully foretold the side's Asian Cup triumph.

Qatar claimed its first major honour on Friday with a 3-1 final win over Japan, as Almoez Ali, Abdelaziz Hatim and Akram Hassan Afif scored in a stunning victory.

Sanchez's men consequently delivered on the forecast from his fellow Spaniard Xavi, who plays in the country for Al Sadd.

The Qatar head coach responded at full-time by suggesting the 39-year-old could become a lucky charm.

"I'm going to call [Xavi] and tell him to predict all the next games just to make sure that we know what's going to happen in the future," former Barca youth coach Sanchez said.

READ: Japan 1 Qatar 3: Ali leads Sanchez's men to maiden Asian Cup title

"With regards to Xavi, he is a great person and he is supporting us a lot. I'm very happy also for him."

Sanchez was delighted with both sides of Qatar's game as the side excelled in attack in the opening period before standing firm after Takumi Minamino breached the team's defence for the first time in the tournament.

"I have no words. We beat an outstanding, outstanding team," he said.

"In the first half, we played very well. In the second half, we had to defend a lot because obviously they want to win the title as well. It was a very tough game. We suffered and we know how to suffer.

"I'm very happy for the players and all of the people in Qatar who have supported us from the beginning. It's very well deserved. I'm very happy. I have no words."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment