KUWAIT: A wave of joy swept through the sporting community as the “Blue” defeated the UAE 2-1 in the second round of Group A in the Khaleeji Zain 26 championship, raising the Blue’s tally to four points and putting them at the top of the standings. Oman moved to second place after a 2-1 victory over Qatar in the same group.

The joy wasn’t merely due to the Blue overcoming the tournament favorite in the preliminary round, nor because it marked their first win after ten international matches. The real reason for celebration was the high spirit displayed by the Blue heroes, renewing their bond with loyal fans and proving that “those with history always return”. Following the win, the Kuwait Football Association’s Board of Directors announced a $4,000 bonus for each player. Additionally, Federation Chairman Sheikh Ahmed Al-Yousef granted an extra $1,000 bonus per player, while the Kuwait Shopping Festival “Ya Hala” contributed 500 Kuwaiti dinars for each national team player.

Bashar: Victory over UAE start of a comeback

Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Sport Bashar Abdullah congratulated the Kuwaiti team on their valuable victory, praising the players’ high spirits and fighting performance. He described the win as a turning point, saying: “This victory against the strong Emirati team should be the starting point for the Blue to return to its rightful place among Gulf nations.” Abdullah lauded the team’s ability to overturn a deficit and achieve a 2-1 win, boosting their chances of qualifying for the semifinals. He expressed hope that the joy would continue in the upcoming match against Qatar on Friday. Drawing from history, he highlighted Kuwait’s previous Gulf Cup wins, achieved even when they weren’t favorites, underscoring the unpredictability of the tournament.

He also emphasized the Gulf Cup’s role in building bonds among officials, players, and fans, adding: “As a former participant in five Gulf Cups, I’ve built lifelong friendships with players, administrators, and media professionals across the Gulf. These tournaments go beyond football, promoting a spirit of unity among Gulf nations.” Abdullah concluded by noting that the champion of the Gulf Cup often emerges during the tournament, expressing hope that Kuwait would claim the title.

Al-Masrouri: Kuwait always returns to creativity and excellence

Oman Football Association Vice President Mohsen Al-Masrouri predicted that the third round of Khaleeji Zain 26 would bring even greater excitement. Reflecting on the second round, which saw Oman beat Qatar 2-1 and Kuwait triumph over the UAE, he noted that teams often start cautiously but elevate their performance as the tournament progresses.

Al-Masrouri highlighted that the four teams in Group A still have a chance to qualify, making the final round decisive. He praised Kuwait and Oman for their strong performances, noting that both teams’ four-point standings give them an advantage but do not guarantee qualification. He stressed that small details could determine outcomes, pointing to Oman’s consistent semifinal appearances under the two-group system and their runner-up finish in the last edition.

Al-Masrouri acknowledged the challenges posed by the tournament’s compressed schedule but deemed them normal for such competitions. He praised the organization of the event, the opening ceremony, and the warm hospitality of the Kuwaiti people, saying, “Kuwait always impresses with its excellence and success on all occasions.”

Pizzi: Proud of the spirit and performance

Kuwaiti national team coach Juan Antonio Pizzi expressed his pride in the players’ fighting spirit and balanced performance during their win over the UAE. “I am very proud of the players’ effort throughout the match,” he said during the post-match press conference.

Pizzi commended the young talents on the team, describing them as the future of Kuwaiti football and stressing the importance of supporting their development. He thanked fans for their unwavering support and promised to continue working hard to prepare for the crucial match against Qatar, with hopes of advancing to the semifinals.

Garcia: Unlucky against Oman

Qatar’s head coach, Luis Garcia, attributed his team’s 2-1 loss to Oman to missed opportunities. He acknowledged his team’s strong start, which saw them score first, but praised Oman for their comeback. Despite several chances in the second half, Qatar failed to equalize. Garcia commended striker Akram Afif for overcoming personal challenges to participate in the match and contribute to the team. “Losing is part of football,” he said, emphasizing the importance of preparing for the upcoming match against Kuwait to keep their semifinal hopes alive.

Jaber: A moral victory over the Asian champions

Oman coach Rasheed Jaber hailed his team’s 2-1 win over Qatar, noting the significance of defeating the two-time Asian champions. He credited the victory to the players’ discipline and determination, which strengthened Oman’s chances of advancing to the semifinals. Jaber praised striker Issam Al-Subhi for returning to form, calling him a valuable addition to the team. He reiterated the importance of addressing each match based on its unique circumstances and expressed hope for continued success in the tournament.