DUBAI: Jordan’s goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila has been one of the star players for Al-Nashama during their historic march to the final of the AFC Asian Cup on Sunday, when they will face the host nation, Qatar.
Abulaila, who currently plays for Saudi second-tier team Al-Jabalain, has kept three clean sheets in six games so far in the tournament, and was outstanding against a relentless South Korea in the semi-final, which Jordan won 2-0
Speaking to Arab News, the 31-year-old goalkeeper discussed his feelings about reaching the final, his expectations for Sunday’s showdown, and his view of the Qatari team. He also spoke about his hopes of promotion to the Roshn Saudi League with Al-Jabalain, where he is on loan from Jordanian giants Al-Faisaly.
Did you expect Jordan to reach the Asian Cup final?
Yes. We had confidence in ourselves before the tournament, and we pledged to give everything we have and to raise the profile of our country, because we know the extent of our capabilities and potential. We have outstanding players in every position and a clear passion that you can see in everyone.
Jordan were not one of the favorites to progress so far, yet you have overcome teams including South Korea and Iraq. How did that happen?
In Asia, the most is usually expected of teams like Japan and South Korea, and perhaps Iran — this is what we are accustomed to. But in this tournament, other teams have demonstrated the extent of their progress and their ability to achieve victories. We in the Jordanian national team have proved that we are stubborn and do not pay attention to expectations and other things. We met South Korea twice, but what happened? We were the better team in both matches — in the group stage and the semi-finals.
You’ve faced brilliant strikers who have shone in Europe, such as South Korea’s Son Heung-min, and you came out on top. How did you feel after that?
It’s a great feeling, but the question always remains: Why do we place so much importance (on big) names? In football, we have to be confident first, as well as having respect for the opponent. After that, we’re all players. The point is not the names. We respected South Korea and its stars, such as Son, one of the top scorers in the English Premier League, and his compatriot Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain, and the others.
How do you see Jordan’s chances in the final?
We have one last match to make our fans and people happy. We will sacrifice our lives in this match. Our chances are equal with Qatar’s. We are facing a very strong team that has great experience in the tournament. They are the defending champions and have an exceptional opportunity to retain the title. On the other hand, we have an opportunity to write history. We will cling to it.
Al-Jabalain has one of the best defensive records in the Saudi First Division. Did your experience with the team impact you positively in this tournament?
I am happy at Al-Jabalain, but we have a lot of work ahead of us this season. We want to advance step by step and get promoted to the Roshn Saudi League. Defense is one of the team’s strengths currently. The defensive style helps the players to focus. And in the national team there is a somewhat similar style. I am happy to be contributing to my club and my country achieving positive results.
