Qatar Coach Autuori Pledges Better Fight against Oman

Manama, January 07 (QNA) - Coach Paulo Autuori on Monday said Qatar will exhibit 'greater' fighting qualities against Oman when the two sides clash in round two of the 2013 Gulf Cup on Tuesday. In round one match on Saturday, the UAE crushed Qatar 3-1 in a sluggish display in the Bahraini capital. "Oman is a strong side. But we have a good bunch of players who can make a difference in this clash. I promise this will be a better game for us," Autuori said during a press conference. "We are targeting a win in this match. But you must note that a win is not easily achieved. We have to fight for it," the Brazilian added. The Qatari coach noted both teams failed to spark in their first-round clashes. "We started really well but lost some focus in the latter part of the match (against the UAE)," he said. "We lost the match but I am optimistic about our chances (in the remaining two matches)," Autuori said. "Somehow the desire to fight was missing from our first match," he noted. The Qatari coach said most teams are using the Gulf Cup for their respective FIFA World Cup qualifiers. "I believe that all teams in the Gulf Cup are using this event to prepare for hard battles. This tournament is tough and if you play well here, you will gain in confidence," Autuori said. "Good performances in the Gulf Cup can be morale-boosting for certain teams," he noted. "That's why I ask my players to start every match with a positive frame of mind," he added. To a question, Autuori said he would rather ignore the pleas of the media to change tactics ahead of the next two clashes. "I will not change my style because of the media which may want me to adopt a different strategy," Autuori said. "I know one thing that my team will enter the stadium to win the next game. We have worked hard. "I have been involved with football in Qatar for the last five years. We lacked concentration in the game against the UAE. Hopefully we won't see that again," he said. (QNA)