(MENAFN- Arab Times) The semifinals of the 22nd Gulf Cup soccer games are set to start Sunday at the King Fahad International Stadium in Saudi capital, Riyadh. The first match features Omani and Qatari national football teams, while defending Gulf Cup champions United Arab Emirates (UAE) will face three-time holders Saudi Arabia. The winners of the two matches will automatically qualify for the final which will be held on Nov 26. Kuwait, which is the most successful nation in the Gulf championship with 10 cups, was routed by Oman 5-0 on Thursday.
Kuwait national football team head coach Jorvan Vieira on Thursday described his side's Gulf Cup defeat against Oman as "very bad." The coach apologized to Kuwaiti fans, saying Oman deserve their victory due to a performance which was of "high technicality." Goals came in quick succession and Kuwait were not able to handle the situation, he added.
"The players gave up after three quick goals," he said, referring to Oman's three earlier goals which were scored in the space of four minutes at the end of the first half. "And, the defeat is the responsibility of us all, not only the team," he added. For his part, Oman coach Paul Le Guen said he was delighted with the performance of his side and the efforts they had demonstrated. The result is one he had not expected, as Kuwait are an experienced and good side and their coach is good.
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