Ferreira: We are deserving finalists, we could have finished the match off in the first half

Al-Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira was a relieved man after his side defeated Al-Rayyan 4-2 on penalties to reach the Qatar Cup 2018 final.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Ferreira said: “I am fully satisfied with my team’s performance in the first half, when we scored two goals and could have scored more. We could have finished the match off in the first half. Al-Rayyan’s goal in the end of the first half gave them hope of coming back into the game, which they eventually did.”

As for the Video Assistant Referee, the Portuguese coach said: “There were a number of questions regarding the VAR. Khoukhi had a goal disallowed in the first half. I hope people don’t get upset with the referees becayse this is the first time they are using the technology. They need time, just like all the referees in the world. They will gain experience in the coming matches.”

He went on to add: “I haven’t watched the videos yet. I think the referees worked hard during the game and the only thing that is missing with the VAR system is speed. Decisions are taken slowly. Referees will make mistakes, this is football and video technology can help reduce these errors.”

“This technology will be used in the World Cup as well and I hope it will be faster than it is in our domestic competitions. I believe the Qatari referees will improve a lot with this system.”

Asked if Al-Sadd deserved to go through to the final, Ferreira said: “The result is fair. Al-Sadd deserved the win based on their performance in the first half. We deserved to be in the final and we were better than Al-Rayyan for most of the match, although not by much.”

“I praise God a lot that I managed to win my first penalty shootout with Al-Sadd after losing on three previous occasions – twice in the AFC Champions League play-offs and once in the Emir’s Cup final,” added the coach. “I want to congratulate the fans, the players and the management on reaching the final.”

As for the pressure of regular matches in the upcoming period, Ferreira said: “It won’t be easy for us in the upcoming period with the number of matches we have to play. Everyone who is fit will be considered for the lineup, regardless of his age or experience.”

Ferreira went on to conclude by saying: “I was hoping not to face Al-Duhail or Al-Gharafa in the final, as they are two tough teams. Al-Duhail is the strongest in Qatar and Al-Gharafa have improved a lot lately.”