Qatar team on the right path, says Oman legend Ali Al Habsi on Generation Amazing Instagram Live

Doha, Qatar: Oman’s most famous footballer, Ali Al Habsi, said Qatar’s historic Asian Cup victory in the UAE was a big step in preparing for the 2022 World Cup which the country hosts.

“I think everyone in Qatar is happy and proud of this team. To go to UAE and win the Asian Cup, Qatar made a historic win. It was a big step for Qatar in the preparation for the World Cup,” said Al Habsi on Generation Amazing Instagram Live on Wednesday.

The former Premier League star goalkeeper who played for teams such as Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic, said it will not be easy for Qatar in the World Cup, especially when they have to deal with pressure and expectations of playing at home.

“To play in the world Cup is not that easy, especially when you are playing at home in front of your fans.

“But Qatar has a young team. They are gaining good experience. They need to play more big games against strong teams and be ready for the World Cup,” said Al Habsi.

The 38-year-old, who now plays for English Championship side West Brom also spoke about health and fitness, his time with the Oman national team and the football values he teaches young people who want to follow in his footsteps.

Since April, Generation Amazing has delivered its programme online in order to reach its audience during the coronavirus pandemic. More than 100,000 people have tuned in for the broadcasts, which have featured some of the biggest names in football.

A FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 legacy programme, Generation Amazing has been active in Oman since 2019. In recent weeks, viewers in Oman have taken part in sessions which connected Doha and Muscat. They have also taken part in home workouts delivered by the Generation Amazing master coaches.

As well as organising online sessions, Generation Amazing has provided a boost to volunteers who have been supporting Qatar’s fight against COVID-19. The programme donated footballs, sportswear and training equipment to Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) volunteers so they can keep fit during their breaks.  

Generation Amazing Programmes Director, Nasser Al Khori, delivered the equipment to one of QRCS’s quarantine centres.

He said: “We would like to thank all the Qatar Red Crescent volunteers for their important work contributing to helping the relief efforts in Qatar during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have our utmost support in this difficult time, and we hope that football can continue to be a source of encouragement and solidarity in this period.”

Generation Amazing’s Marketing and Communications Director, Moza Al Mohannadi, affirmed Al Khori’s message of support.

She said: “We are all touched by the critical care and efforts that our essential key workers continue to provide us and we at Generation Amazing aim to use the power of football to help our communities in this testing period, whether through football equipment or online programmes that can help us all stay active, healthy and connected with others.”

Abdullah Sultan Al Qattan, Executive Director of QRCS’s Medical Affairs Sector, said: “I would like to thank Generation Amazing for supporting volunteers at our quarantine sites. The donations will have a great impact and provide our volunteers with moral and psychological support, especially since the QRCS, in cooperation with several government and private sector institutions, handles all the logistics and services for quarantined patients.”