Egypt coach Carlos Queiroz stressed Tunisia are worthy winners and finalists after a tough FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 semi-finals loss at Stadium 974 on Wednesday.
The well-travelled Portuguese coach, however said Iranian referee Alireza Faghani’s controversial penalty decision affected The Pharaohs psychologically.
The 43-year-old experienced referee had awarded a penalty to Tunisia in the second half after Ahmed Hegazi appeared to bundle over Ali Ben Romdhane. Though the referee reversed his decision after consulting Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Queiroz claims that the decision changed the course of the game.
“I don’t want to make comments about the referee because I don’t want to finish my career here. But I hope FIFA follows very carefully,” Queiroz said after the match.
“We had two good teams on the pitch, but it is clear that the penalty decision caused huge psychological damage to my team. I hope FIFA can evaluate the referees and analyse this incident. When the penalty came, it psychologically damaged my team, and nobody in the stadium thought that was a penalty. Nobody can understand how he gave the penalty,” he added.
Egypt, winners of the Arab Cup in 1992, lost the semi-final to Tunisia after a late own goal by their captain Amr El Soulia. Though Tunisia seemed in control of the match, Egypt created more clear chances, which they surprisingly failed to convert.
“We let them play their game but speaking generally, it was a great semi-final. We had our moments in fast breaks, and they were lucky to score with the own goal. I’m not saying they don’t deserve it. Two great teams competed, but unfortunately, we conceded late. I wish Tunisia the best and congratulations to them,” Queiroz noted.
“I won’t say the best side didn’t win; two different styles of play were on show. We had to clear opportunities, and unfortunately, we didn’t score. They had some opportunities. They fought and played well and showed quality football. They deserved to be in the final just like we do.”
The former Real Madrid coach also played down talks of fatigue to his players. Egypt played 120 minutes against Jordan in the quarter-finals compared to the Tunisians, who beat Oman in regulation time and enjoyed a day’s extra rest.
“We knew they have a style of play, and we respect that they like to move the ball. Most of their actions came from the left side, but we defended well. We forced them to make mistakes, but they prevailed today, and they are great finalists. They play good football, and we congratulate them. I’m not saying we are better, but we could have been worthy finalists,” he said.
On the other hand, Tunisia coach Mondher El Kabir said his side have shown strength and resilience to get to this stage of the championship - recovering well from a shock loss to Syria in their second group match.
“I am very proud of the players and their response. We are through to the Arab Cup final and still have the African Cup of Nations next year and the World Cup qualifiers. I think the team is on the right path, and this is due to the efforts of the players and all the technical staff,” El Kabir said.
Tunisia will take on Maghreb rivals Algeria in the final at the Al Bayt Stadium, while Egypt face hosts Qatar at Stadium 974, all tomorrow.
