Nuno Almeida: An important win; Ibrahim’s goal only happens in World Cups

Al-Sadd assistant coach Nuno Almeida stressed on the importance of the 1-0 win over Al-Kharaitiyat in the QSL Round 14 match played on Wednesday.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Nuno said: “The match was difficult just as we expected it to be. Considering the recent break and the absence of a number of key players, the difficulty of the match increased. But we were determined to win the match from the beginning itself.”

He went on to say: “The young players played amazingly and are in the good books of the coaching staff. This is what makes us happy, apart from the three points which keeps us in second place in the league table.”

As for the expulsion of head coach Jesualdo Ferreira, Nuno said: “Ferreira did not protest against the referee. The Al-Kharaitiyat players committed a foul just before the foul by Al-Sadd. This is the same foul, something which is normal in football. That is why the coach spoke to the referee, who went on to send him off.”

The assistant coach added that the win was very important for Al-Sadd, saying: “It was a really important win and the goal came late because Al-Kharaitiyat played in a organized and strong defensive manner. I congratulate the Al-Sadd players who had the experience and guided the youngsters in the team. We are happy with all the players.”

As for Ibrahim Majid’s excellent strike, Nuno said: “It was an amazing goal. These kind of goals only happen in the World Cup and in the Champions League.”