RIYADH, Nov 20 (KUNA) -- Kuwait Football Association President Sheikh Talal Fahad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah said he bears the responsibility of the heavy loss inflicted on Kuwait which saw the nation's Gulf Cup exit on Thursday.
At a press conference following the national side's 5-0 loss to Oman, he said "this is football. It is God's will. I want (to win) and you want (to win), but God does what he wants.
"We all bear responsibility over the defeat, not the head coach (Jorvan Vieira) alone." The team "completely lost their concentration," he added.
The quick succession of goals in such a short timeframe (minutes '44, '45, '48, '59, '90) pushed the Kuwaiti side into a loss of control and organization, he suggested.
Brazilian coach Vieira was not able to deal with the loss, and the players were "not up to the standards we have been used to seeing in the past," he added.
The backroom staff and KFA officials "will resume their duties, and the defeat does not mean the sacking of the coach or anyone.
"Everyone will continue (their role). Global sides have exited the early rounds of international competitions and this is normal in the world of football," he added.
The KFA chief went on to congratulate the sides that progressed to the semifinal, including Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, expecting Oman to win the tournament, hosted by Saudi Arabia.
Oman's Said Al-Ruzaiqi scored a hattrick and Abdulaziz Al-Muqbali a brace, as both took turns to terrorise a Kuwaiti defence in shambles.
Many had expected Kuwait to go through to the final after the Group B side displayed bright performances in a 1-0 win against Iraq and a worthy 2-2 draw against the UAE after being two goals down. (end) ha.sd