Al Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira
Doha: Al Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira said his team deserved the victory against Al Rayyan in the hotly-contested first semi-final of Qatar Cup (QC) that saw video assistant referee (VAR) review overturning a few decisions by the on-field match official.
The reigning Qatar Cup champions, Al Sadd edged out Al Rayyan 4-2 on penalties to reach the final after the match was tied 2-2 in regular time at the Al Sadd Stadium on Saturday.
Al Rayyan skipper’s Tabata goal in the second half from a close range was dismissed after the referee went for the VAR review. It was one the decisions that ruffled feathers in ‘The Lions’ dug-out.
Backing VAR’s use, Ferreira said the new technology will take time to become flawless as referees are undergoing a new experience.
“There were a number of questions regarding the VAR. (Bualem) Khoukhi had a goal disallowed in the first half. I hope people don’t get upset with the referees because this is the first time they are using this technology. They need time, just like all the other referees in the world. They will gain experience in the coming matches,” said Al Sadd coach.
“I haven’t watched the videos yet. I think the referees worked hard during the game and the only thing that is missing with the VAR system is speed. Decisions are taken slowly. Referees will make mistakes. This is football and video technology can help reduce these errors,” the Portuguese added.
“This technology will be used in the World Cup as well and I hope it will be faster than it is in our domestic competitions. I believe the Qatari referees will improve a lot with this system,” he added.
Praising his team’s performance in the semi-final, Ferreira said Al Sadd deserved to win the thrilling semi-final.
“The result is fair. Al Sadd deserved the win based on their performance in the first half. We deserved to be in the final and we were better than Al Rayyan for most of the match, although not by much,” he said.
Meanwhile, Al Rayyan’s head coach Michael Laudrup stressed the need for proper use of VAR.
“If we want to develop football, the rules must be clear,” said Laudrup at a press conference.
“We noticed that Tabata scored the goal and the match continued, and minutes later the referee came back to the video. I am here to ask the number of minutes it is possible to return to the video technique? it is impossible to calculate new laws without making accurate regulations for them,” he said in a report posted on www.alkass.net.
However, Laudrup said his team will now shift focus to the Emir Cup – a last chance for ‘The Lions’ to clinch trophy this season after failure to do so in QNB Stars League, Qatar Cup and the Asian Champions League.
“We are out of the Qatar Cup, and I would like to focus on the Emir Cup,” he said.
Laudrup hoped the team will do good despite injuries to Abdul Razzaq Hamdallah and Abdulrahman Al Harazi.
