Ibrahim Hesar
Doha, Qatar: Ibrahim Hesar said Syria’s qualification to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 Round of 16 has given them the push they need for their clash against three-time champions Iran today.
Syria, who booked their place after finishing the group stage as among the four best third-placed teams, are set to appear in the knockout stage of the continental showpiece for the first time.
“As players, we are all motivated but we are taking things one game at a time. The qualification to the knockout stage has given us confidence to do even more,” said the forward.
“Iran are a strong team and we know it will be a difficult game but our performance has steadily improved over the course of the competition, and we are fully focused on giving our best performance and making it to the last eight.”
The Qasioun Eagles, however, will need to find their scoring boots after netting only once in the group stage - in a 1-0 win over India.
“We know that some fans are upset about us not scoring enough, but I would have been more annoyed if we had not created chances. Against Australia, for example, we created many chances but couldn’t make good use of them,” he said.
“There is good understanding among the team members and we are no longer thinking about what we have achieved. We are much more interested in focusing on what glories can still come our way and are eager to keep the Syrian flag flying high.” AFC
