A day after European giants Bayern Munich beat African champions Al Ahly of Egypt 2-0 to book their place in the FIFA Club World Cup final, Egyptian defensive legend Wael Gomaa reckoned the difference between the two teams was the mentality and the preparations of the Germans.
“There is a problem in the mentality and the preparations of our teams when they are competing against the European or South American teams, who are more professional than our teams, especially from Africa and Asia,” said the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) ambassador during an online round table yesterday.
The former Egypt defender, who lifted the CAF Champions League trophy a record six times with Al Ahly, added, “They are more professional and more prepared than our teams. But we are trying to reduce the gap between them and us. Al Ahly, for instance, is the biggest team in Africa, and are trying to do everything to get closer to the European teams.
“Ahly were dealing with a very, very strong team, a team that has beaten every big club in the Champions League last season – Barcelona, Tottenham, Chelsea. So you cannot attack Bayern Munich, you have to defend well and then try to play on the counter attack. Ahly did well in defense but the counter attack was very bad.
“In Bayern, every player had a solution. They have a strong team, good defense, good midfield, one of the best strikers in the world. He didn’t touch the ball too much but still scored two goals, and they have the best goalkeeper in the world. Ahly played well though to get away with a lower scoreline.”
Al Ahly had booked their date with the Bavarians with a 1-0 win over QNB Stars League champions Al Duhail last Thursday.
“Duhail is a very strong team. And they were very aware of the Ahly capabilities. They have some good players, especially in the attack. But the coach played at the back and realised after the 45 minutes that it was a mistake. Ahly used that, and attacked. In the second half, Ahly returned to defense and played on the counterattack. Duhail have good players, and with some additions they will be very strong opponents in Asia,” the three-time Africa Cup of Nations winner said.
Gomaa was joined by fellow SC ambassador and sports anchor Mohamed Saadon al-Kuwari in the meet-up.
Talking about Qatar’s experience in hosting big international events, he said, “First of all let’s hope that by the time World Cup comes to Qatar, the pandemic will be over. This is very important for the whole world and not just the football world.”
He added: “When it comes to the ability of hosting tournaments, 15 years ago Qatar hosted the Asian Games. At the time we had more than 10,000 athletes competing across more than 40 different disciplines in 40-odd different locations. For the World Cup, four stadiums were officially launched, and the fifth one Insha’Allah will be opened soon – Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor. Three of the other stadiums – Al Thumama, Ras Abu Aboud and Lusail – are almost 90 percent complete. So I think Qatar will host one of the best editions in the history of the World Cups. We were in Russia and Brazil, me and Wael, and I was in South Africa too before that, and we saw how World Cup changed these countries, and it is a great opportunity to showcase not only the country, but also the region. I think this region loves football and needs to host a tournament the size of the World Cup.”
With the Gulf crisis coming to an end recently, the people from across the region are expected to enjoy what is the Middle East’s first FIFA World Cup.
“Me on a personal level, I have great relationships with people in most of the Gulf countries, especially in Saudi Arabia. I presented the Saudi league for two seasons, and I know that the Saudi people love football. I am very happy that the blockade has ended. The Supreme Committee opened the doors for the volunteers to join and be part of the World Cup, and it is a great opportunity. In Russia, there were more than 16,000 volunteers, and so far the SC has received more than a quarter of a million applicants to be part of the volunteering programme. I know personally that the SC will give priority to the people from the region, from the Middle East, from Asia to be part of the programme. So I think it is a great time for all of us to celebrate football, and enjoy the power of sport to bring people together.”
SC ambassadors Wael Gomaa (left) and Mohamed Saadon al-Kuwari.
