Sport | Football
Ze Mario rues defensive mistakes
Al Wasl coach Ze Mario has blamed two defensive mistakes for his team's loss against Al Ahli in Monday's President's Cup final.
- By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
- Published: 00:17 April 16, 2008
Abu Dhabi: Al Wasl coach Ze Mario has blamed two defensive mistakes for his team's loss against Al Ahli in Monday's President's Cup final.
"We made two mistakes and were punished with two goals. Though the second goal was more due to a fine shot by their Brazilian player (Cleberson Cesar), we could not recover from those two early blows," said the Brazilian, who last year led Al Wasl to a league and cup double.
"However I am very happy with the way my team played.
"We kept trying from the word go and up to the final whistle. Maybe if we had got one goal it could have changed the course of the match. We did miss some close chances," said Ze Mario.
In nine finals Al Wasl have won only twice while Al Ahli have won all seven they have played in.
"From the start of the season we always knew it would be a huge challenge to play the league, President's Cup and the AFC Champions League," said Ze Mario.
"As defending champions the pressure was on us. But one must realise that all the other teams have also roped in some fine players.
"Look at where Al Wahda are in the league. We lost to a good side today."
"Once Al Ahli got those two quick goals they went defensive and only came up with counter-attacks. It was very difficult for us as our strikers were well-marked.
"However this is football and we lost to a better side on the night."
Asked about his future, Ze Mario, whose side beat Kuwait 1-0 on Wednesday in the AFC Champions League, said it was a case of "wait and see."
"I still have a few months to go.
"Al Wasl will always be my first choice."
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