HOUSTON, Texas – Qatar and Panama are ready to kick things off in Group D at the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup and both nations have plans to make the most of their participation.
Making their first appearance, guest country Qatar relish the opportunity to test themselves against the likes of Panama, Grenada and Honduras, and potentially advance on a lengthy run. These matches bring another level of preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts, according to Qatar national team coach Felix Sanchez.
“I think the country is trying to create a good program for us to be able to reach the best level for the World Cup and what better way to play a tournament of these characteristics,” Sanchez told the media prior to Tuesday’s match. “Everyone comes here to try to perform and try to win, so this makes us have to play at the highest level to be able to compete.”
Sanchez won’t be the only Spaniard on the touchline, as former Spanish national team striker and Panama head coach Thomas Christiansen will manage his first Gold Cup match.
“My goal, and the whole team and the country, is to have a good tournament, a tournament where you see a Panama with clear ideas and a conviction of what we are doing,” said Christiansen. “It is also a competition for opportunities. Unfortunately, some have not been able to come and we have had to pull other players who perhaps may now have the opportunity.”
“It's their moment if they do it right,” added Christiansen. “That is what I am looking for, that the player is involved and with the illusion of making it difficult for me when it comes to choosing the players and the Gold Cup is a beautiful tournament for exactly this”.
Christiansen acknowledged Qatar’s variety in its attacking front, while Sanchez shared respect for Panama’s recent results. All that’s left now is for the players to decide things on the field.
“We coaches are there to try to organize, help the team,” said Sanchez. “But in the end the players are the ones who are going to command on the field”.
