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DOHA
Video technology will be used during the 2018 Qatar Cup Football Tournament matches as the top four sides from the just-concluded QNB Stars League clash this weekend.
Al Rayyan and defending champions Al Sadd will lock horns in the first semi-final on Saturday, while League champions Al Duhail take on Al Gharafa on Sunday. The final is scheduled on April 27.
The VAR technology was already in the use in local matches with Al Kass Sports Channels and the Qatar Football Association (QFA) referees department working together behind the scene.
Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira is comfortable with the use of the VAR and the Qatari referees."Everyone knows I have said over and over again that the Qatari referees offer excellent performance and they have improved a lot in the last three years. They need more big games to further develop themselves. The video technology at the Qatar Cup is a welcome addition."
Al Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup's opionion on the VAR was however different:"In terms of the video technology, I cannot say that I am for or against it."
Going into the match, Al Sadd are in a better form, having qualified for the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League, while Rayyan crashed out of the competition in midweek.
Ferreira's side, which won the Qatar Cup last season after beating El Jaish, said"Al Rayyan is a big team. Two seasons ago, they won the league and most of the players who achieved it are still with them. So we won't be complacent.
"Everyone gives much importance to the game against Rayyan in the Qatar Cup semi-final. They know that it will be a tough game. We will do our best to achieve our target of reaching the final," Ferreira said.
On their qualification to the Champions League next round, the Portuguese coach added:"We've qualified for the AFC Champions League's Round of 16 and we're satisfied with our performance even though the knockout stage will be difficult. We go into all matches, especially in the Cup competitions, as if we are playing a final."
Embattled Laudrup whose contract with Rayyan ends after the disappointing season, is hoping for some favourable result against eternal rivals Sadd.
"I promise that our players will bring out their best and I expect the game to be very strong. There are some small details that will determine the winners.
"This is what the players know and we will work to equip the team so that it is at its best. I cannot prepare the team for any result, but we can prepare to perform very well," Laudrup said.
"As for my future with Al Rayyan, I am not worried about the end of my contract after the season. We will talk and decide my course," he said.
"The resignation of Football Head Ali Salem Afifa and team manager Maskar al Shafi will not affect the players much."
Al Rayyan player Ahmed Yasser said,"This is my first Qatar Cup with Al Rayyan, having played for Al Duhail earlier, so I wish to win this title, especially since we have exited from the AFC Champions League."
Al Sadd player Akram Afif, said,"It's going to be a tough game. Al Rayyan are out of the AFC Champions League. Therefore, they want to satisfy their fans. I am happy to be representing Al Sadd. We are thinking about the semi-final at the moment. We will do our best to win it."
Al Rayyan will be without Abderrazaq Hamdallah who was ruled out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury.
