LONDON: Syria coach Bernd Stange has told his players to focus on winning their next match against Jordan after they were held 0-0 by Palestine on Sunday.
The Syrians were strongly fancied to beat their neighbors but were unable to find a way past Noureddine Ould Ali’s men in Sharjah. That now means Stange’s team have to get a result against Jordan on Thursday to have a chance of progression to the knockout stages.
“Looking back at the game, we tried to do everything. We changed the system and increased the pressure but we didn’t come through,” said Stange.
“We have a strong starting XI and a equally strong bench with Mohammed Osman, Yousef Kalfa and other players but we were playing against a wall of a very organized Palestinian team.”
The German, though, was quick to praise his opposite number, Noureddine Ould Ali and his players for the way they took on Omar Khribin and Co.
“You must give respect when it is due and you must respect the tactics of your opponents. They (Palestine) played very well and made it hard for us to find the target.
“My players are very disappointed with the result. They wanted to give their best for Syria but it’s difficult to play these kind of teams, when they play compact football.
“I can’t blame anybody, just my team for not using at least a handful of clear chances to score. That’s why we are more disappointed.
“That’s football. One-way football over 90 minutes did not bring the result, the three points, we wanted to achieve. And now we have to look forward to the next match against Jordan.”
Syria told to focus on ensuring victory against Jordan after opening draw against Palestine
Syria told to focus on ensuring victory against Jordan after opening draw against Palestine
- Syria could find no way past an obdurate Palestine side in Sharjah.
- Draw ensured Palestine secured their first ever point in the Asian Cup.
