Qatar- We can beat anyone, even England: Weiss

Doha: Qatar Stars League side Al Gharafa’s Slovakian winger Vladimir Weiss became the first player based outside of Europe to score at a European Championship.

The Qatar based star has set his sights on writing further history with Slovakia against England in the final Group B match today.

The former Manchester City midfielder is one of three Qatar-based players representing his country at Euro 2016 in France, and scored his side’s opener in their crucial 2-1 win over Russia. Now he believes Slovakia have shown that they can beat any side - even England.

“We have beaten big teams before and if we play at our best, we can beat anyone, even England,” Weiss told the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy.

“The win against Russia gives us a lot of confidence going into the last game. We needed a win and we’re very happy that we got it. I am sure England have seen our game against Russia and they know we will give it everything to get something from the final game to qualify.”

The skilful winger also sent a warning to the England defence ahead of the game: “There are no weaknesses at this level, but I am sure I will make life difficult for the English defence. England has a good young generation. But we have great players and are a great team. We fight together and that is why we are successful.”

The 26-year-old revealed he has been inundated with messages of support from Qatar after becoming the first Qatar Stars League-based player to score at a European Championship: “I found out about my record on social media. It’s always nice to be first in something, and I got a lot of responses from Qatari fans on Twitter.

The former Espanyol and Olympiacos midfielder added that he felt like he was also representing Qatari football in France, and praised the Arab world’s football development ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

“Of course it’s good for the Qatar Stars League and Qatari football that myself and two others players from the league are here. I think Qatari football is improving fast and this is a good sign of it. My team-mate Stoch has played in the UAE and he is a special player and a very good friend. We talk a lot about football in Qatar, the UAE and the region and we think it is moving forward well.”

The Al Gharafa winger is known for his attacking runs in the Qatar Stars League, and said that he enjoyed the challenge of playing against Europe’s top stars like Gareth Bale, Wayne Rooney or Harry Kane.

“I honestly don’t care who I play against. I respect every player that is here the same. Whether it is Bale, Ronaldo or anyone. I’m trying to be focused on myself and my team. England has a squad full of good players, a team that can go all the way. We have respect, but we don’t fear them. Raheem Sterling is a great young talent, who can cause a lot of damage to every team.”

With the final round of first round matches beginning in France, Weiss concluded by saying he saw one player and two teams which had been a level above the others so far: “I think Iniesta has been great for Spain, but it’s too soon to say who will be the most important player of the tournament. Spain and Italy have impressed me so far.”

The Peninsula