Abdulkarim Hassan says that there's increasing pressure on the Qatar national team to perform well at major competitions as the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar draws closer.
The KAS Eupen defender who is in Doha with his Belgian Jupiler club on a winter training tour, said at a press conference on Sunday: "As Qatari players, we experience pressure during major tournaments because there is an expectation on us to achieve good results. Especially since we'll soon be representing Qatar at the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. The pressure will always be there. All we can do is give our all in order to achieve the best possible result we can, and hope for the best."
"Thankfully, organisations like Aspire Academy support our development by, for example, giving us opportunities to join and train with international clubs like K.A.S Eupen," he added.
Speaking about his experience at KAS Eupen, Abdulkarim said:"It's definitely a different set up to that which we had at Al Sadd SC. But it'll be a good learning experience that'll help improve my game in the future, and which in turn will benefit the national team. I like challenges, and I'm ready to fight for my dreams."
"It was not an easy experience but my personality accepts challenges so I am very happy with my experience so far in Belgium," he added.
The former Al Sadd player who spent six-years at Aspire praised the academy for giving him the opportunity to be who he is today.
"I spent six-years here. It was a good experience that transformed me to who I am. It shaped my career and ensured I joined the national team at age 16. I was taught if I want to achieve anything I have to be hardworking."
"I am happy to come back to Aspire with my team on a training tour. The training is very important as we now have a new coach."
Speaking on the team's training in Qatar, he said:"It is a good way for the team to prepare for the second phase of the season. We have a new coach and some new players, so it is a time for us to gel as a group."
The 24-year-old has played 10 matches from the team's 21 in the league this season, with a goal to his credit.
Eupen sit at the bottom of the Belgian league with 16 points from 21 matches. Their opening fixture for the year will be against Standard Liege on Saturday.
By Ikoli Victor
