Pizzi: Kuwait will fight until the end in the World Cup qualifier against Palestine
KUWAIT CITY, June 4: Argentinian coach Juan Pizzi reaffirmed that his objective with the Kuwaiti national football team is simple: to win. It's a goal shared by Palestine, with both teams determined to keep their hopes of qualifying for the next round alive.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, Pizzi said, 'The Blues are ready for the match,' emphasizing that the technical staff has selected the best players available for the squad.
He praised the players' enthusiasm, particularly with the match being played on home soil, and expressed satisfaction with the team's recent performances. He noted that every player has been working hard and delivering a strong showing in training, aiming to secure victories in the final two group matches.
Pizzi emphasized his commitment to possession-based, high-performance football—an approach he has maintained throughout his coaching career. He pointed to clear signs of progress in Kuwait's style of play since he took charge last July, saying he remains optimistic ahead of the Palestine match.
Addressing the imminent expiration of his contract in July, Pizzi stated, 'I have developed a general plan for the future beyond the qualifiers. Whether I continue or not, the aim is to develop the team and work hard to raise our level.'
He also underlined the importance of investing in young talent, saying, 'Including young players is essential to the future of the game. They must be active in the domestic league to support our developmental goals.'
Mishari Ghannam confirmed that all players are prepared and motivated to perform at their best. 'We haven't lost our passion for victory. We will fight to achieve our goal and give it our all until the final match,' he said.
On the opposing side, Palestine coach Ihab Abu Jazar expressed appreciation to Kuwait for its warm reception and ongoing support for the Palestinian team. 'We're playing to win and revive hope, even if only a glimmer. We believe in our players until the final whistle,' he said.
Abu Jazar also praised the improvements in Kuwait's team since the Gulf Cup 26, noting that certain circumstances had worked against them in previous qualifiers. 'We've studied Kuwait carefully. Our goal is to claim the three most crucial points in our qualifying campaign,' he added.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kuwait Times
6 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Iranian Embassy holds event to commemorate Imam Khomeini
KUWAIT: Iranian Ambassador to Kuwait Mohammad Toutonji speaks at an event held to mark the 36th anniversary of the passing of the founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini. KUWAIT: The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Kuwait held a ceremony to mark the 36th anniversary of the passing of the founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini. The event was attended by a distinguished group of scholars, intellectuals, social and political figures, several former members of the National Assembly, members of the Kuwaiti-Iranian Friendship Association, and a large crowd from the Iranian community. 'On this great day, we gather to commemorate a man whose influence extended far beyond the borders of the Islamic Republic of Iran,' Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Toutonji said. Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, was an inspiration to all the free people of the world. He was a figure who united religion and worldly affairs, basing every social movement on faith and justice. The late Imam was not merely a political leader; he was a prominent jurist, a profound philosopher, and a spiritual thinker reflecting deeply on the essence of humanity and existence.' Ambassador Toutonji continued: 'In a world where the voices of the oppressed are still silenced, and people are crushed under the weight of power, greed, and war, the message of Imam Khomeini - a message of justice, dignity, faith, and freedom - is more urgent than ever. Let us all, with our different religions, languages, and homelands, stand united to build a humane society worthy of our dignity.' Several speakers also gave remarks, highlighting that the Palestinian cause was always on Imam Khomeini's agenda. They emphasized his lifelong commitment to Islamic unity, his resistance to division and discord, and his opposition to any attempts to sow strife - efforts that are detrimental to the interests of the Islamic nation. They stressed that the Imam consistently called for unity and the extinguishing of sedition.
Kuwait Times
6 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Kuwaiti hajj mission fully prepared as pilgrims reach holy sites
Kuwait mobilizes government and volunteer efforts to support 8,000 pilgrims MAKKAH: The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Head of the Kuwaiti hajj Mission Dr Bader Al-Mutairi, announced on Tuesday that all Kuwaiti pilgrims—estimated at approximately 8,000—have arrived in Saudi Arabia as part of 60 organized hajj convoys. The announcement comes as preparations intensify for the start of the annual pilgrimage. In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Dr Al-Mutairi said that mission teams from various participating entities are operating at full capacity and are providing services around the clock at the holy sites to ensure the comfort and safety of Kuwaiti pilgrims. He added that preparations at the key pilgrimage sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah have been completed in advance, underscoring the mission's goal of facilitating a safe and organized environment for pilgrims to carry out their religious duties. Dr Al-Mutairi urged all Kuwaiti pilgrims to adhere to official guidelines issued by the Saudi authorities and to cooperate with the supervisory and service teams accompanying the Kuwaiti hajj mission. The mission includes several government and NGOs tasked with supporting pilgrims. These include the Ministries of Islamic Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Interior, Information, and Health, along with the General Fire Force, the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition, the Public Authority for Youth, and the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS). In a related development, KRCS Secretary-General Fahad Al-Mandeel confirmed the organization's participation in this year's hajj mission. KRCS volunteers will provide humanitarian aid, first aid services, and logistical support to pilgrims. Al-Mandeel told KUNA that both male and female volunteers from the society will take part in the mission as part of KRCS's ongoing humanitarian role in serving pilgrims. He highlighted the society's continued collaboration with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and other official bodies. He also commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its extensive efforts in organizing the hajj season, noting the early preparations, high-quality services, and coordination with international hajj missions, including Kuwait's. According to Al-Mandeel, the KRCS delegation will deliver field medical services in coordination with Kuwaiti medical teams, assist elderly and ill pilgrims, and distribute necessary medical and informational materials. This is part of a broader, pre-planned program aimed at supporting pilgrims throughout the season. He praised the dedication of KRCS volunteers, describing their participation as both a national and humanitarian responsibility. Al-Mandeel concluded by thanking all cooperating entities and expressing hope for a safe and spiritually fulfilling hajj for all pilgrims. — KUNA
Arab Times
a day ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait shines at Asian Shooting Championships in China
LINFEN, China, June 5: The Kuwait Shooting Sports Club announced that the national shooting team claimed three medals—two gold and one bronze—at the ongoing Asian Shooting Championships in Linfen, China. The tournament features strong participation from across the continent, making this a significant achievement for Kuwaiti shooting. Duaij Al-Otaibi, head of the Kuwaiti delegation and President of the Shooting Club, confirmed that champion shooter Mansour Al-Rashidi won gold in the individual skeet competition. Fellow shooter Abdulaziz Al-Saad secured the bronze medal, while the silver went to a Malaysian competitor. In the team skeet shooting competition, the Kuwaiti trio—Abdulaziz Al-Saad, Mansour Al-Rashidi, and Abdulaziz Al-Faihan—clinched the gold medal, outperforming host nation China, which took silver, and Qatar, which earned the bronze. Al-Otaibi dedicated this victory to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and the people of Kuwait. He praised the shooters' exceptional performances and expressed optimism for further medals as the championship continues through June 10. He also extended his appreciation to the Public Authority for Sports for its consistent support and commended the technical and administrative teams for their efforts in achieving these results.
