Oman Coach: Qatar Successfully Challenged COVID-19 with Medical Bubbles

Doha, June 22 (QNA) - The Oman national football team coach Branko Ivankovic praised the State of Qatar's wonderful and distinguished capabilities he witnessed during his time in Doha in preparation for the double qualifiers for the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the 2023 Asian Cup in China and the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar. Ivankovic expressed happiness on Oman's performance in reaching the decisive qualifiers for the FIFA 2022 World Cup, reaching the 2023 Asian Cup, and qualifying for the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, adding that the capabilities of the State of Qatar are amazing and wonderful and that Qatar harnessed its capabilities to support sports and achieved great success. The Oman coach pointed out that he closely followed the preparations for the FIFA 2022 World Cup during his stay in Doha, and despite COVID-19 conditions, Qatar overcame all circumstances and hosted many major tournaments, with great success attributed to the innovative medical bubble system that provides protection for all participants. He noted that the reception at Hamad International Airport was excellent in facilitating all procedures with distinguished hospitality, adding that the training facilities and stadiums have been wonderful due to the cooling technology. It was a unique experience that won everyone's admiration and Qatar's success is unparalleled, he said. Regarding Oman's match against Somalia, which Oman won 2-1, Ivankovic said that their goal from the start was to win the match because it was an opportunity that couldn't be diminished, noting that the players were under pressure but managed to score two goals and created many other scoring opportunities. Regarding participation in the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar, the coach said that it will be a special opportunity for the national team, as this is the first time many Arab teams are participating which will provide strong matches, adding that he is proud of what the team has achieved and their presence in the important tournament that precedes FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar. (QNA)