Club World Cup 2020/ Palmeiras Coach Stresses Qatar's Commitment to Health and Safety of All Participants

Doha, February 10 (QNA) - Head coach of Brazilian club Palmeiras Abel Ferreira praised Doha's firm adherence to the health protocols during the FIFA Club World Cup 2020 to ensure the safety of all participants. This came during the virtual press conference held Wednesday ahead of the upcoming challenge to determine the third and fourth places between the Palmeiras and Egypt's Al Ahly on the Education City Stadium on Thursday. Ferreira congratulated the State of Qatar on its achievements during the tournament, stressing that Doha has harnessed all facilities and conditions for the teams to perform to the fullest. In Doha, he noted, one must follow the rules, adding that the State of Qatar is highly organized and presented this tournament according to the highest standards of hygiene and safety. The coach indicated that in order to participate in the tournament, all officials and players must undergo a new COVID-19 test upon arrival at the airport, and before each match. All tournament facilities are subject to continuous sterilization, and the stadiums accommodate fans according to a specific capacity. In addition, fans must undergo COCID-19 test before matches and provide proof that they are free from the virus or have recovered from it in the past few months. Speaking about the match between the Palmeiras and Al Ahly tomorrow, Ferreira said that his team must focus during his game with Al Ahly, especially as it faces a strong competitor, indicating "in Brazil they do not want to focus on the competitor, they always want to win... Accordingly, we must respect the opponent, exploit his mistakes and put pressure on his defenses." He said that it is very important to finish the participation in the best possible way, therefore the team must make an effort for third place and fight for it even if that was not what it sought from the beginning. (QNA)