Weiss: Everyone now believes in Slovakia
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| AFP |
Having tasted action in some of the top leagues across Europe – in England, Spain, Scotland, Italy and Greece – and scored some memorable goals along the way, including one stunning solo effort for Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League, Vladimir Weiss is in a good position to judge the quality of the continent. With that knowledge in hand, the Slovakian international, currently plying his trade with Qatar Stars League champions Lekhwiya, now feels that Asian football is closing the gap on the top European competitions.
The skilful midfielder represented his country at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa, where he played under his father Vladimir Weiss, as the side - making their debut appearance - stunned defending champions Italy 3-2 to reach the second round of the tournament.
With a World Cup under his belt, and with his experience across a host of European leagues before making his way to Asia to join Lekhwiya, many would assume that Weiss had already hit the peak of his career. But at only 25, Weiss says that although he could be tempted by a return to Glasgow, he is enjoying his football with his current side. The development of Qatari and Asian football has been a decisive factor for him.
“Maybe one day I will return to Rangers, but not at this stage of my career as I love it over here in Qatar,” Weiss told www.sc.qa. “Lekhwiya is a nice club which is doing really well and I’m happy I can be a part of it. I have a contract for another three years and I’m not looking to move at the moment. People always think Qatar brings older players at the end of their career. But look at Lekhwiya, we are now one of the youngest squads in the QSL, and I think it’s important for the leagues over here to bring young players and develop the football.”
Weiss stressed not only is there improvement within Qatar’s domestic league, but also says the AFC Asian Champions League is closing the gap on the European counterpart. He said: “I think it is picking up and edging closer to the European version. It’s progressing every year and I know myself that the ACL is very tough. I think it’s more known around the world which is a very important thing.”
"I think especially for the people it will be a great experience and a must-see event."
Slovakia and Lekhwiya player Vladimir Weiss on Qatar 2022
The skilful winger scored a magnificent solo goal against Uzbek side Bunyodkor, as Lekhwiya progressed to the last eight: “Now in the quarter-finals, I think the big focus is to go as far as we can and hopefully reach the final.”
Weiss is also continuing to make his mark on the international stage. Slovakia has already defeated Spain and Ukraine, placing them in pole-position for UEFA EURO qualification to be held next year in France. The return match against Spain awaits in September, and the attacking midfielder will look to be back from a broken hand in time for the match and says "don’t count us out from another surprise". Weiss was also confident of his country making the cut for Russia 2018 after being drawn in a group including England and Scotland: “Everyone back home believes in us. The favourites are England, but two or three teams or more could fight for second place. After being first in the Euro group now we must believe in ourselves. We must finish first in the group and then go on from there.”
Must-see event in 2022
In 2010, Weiss played three of four matches for Slovakia at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa. After being in Qatar for two years, he believes the first Middle Eastern World Cup can emulate the success of the first tournament on the African continent.
He added: “In the World Cup in South Africa you could feel the atmosphere. The country and its people were lifted by the World Cup and it’s going to be the same over here in Qatar. I think it’s a big thing for the country and I’m very positive that everyone around here and the whole world will enjoy this World Cup.”
Having been given a tour of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) offices and an overview of the plans and progress towards the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™, Weiss said: “I think I’ve seen what I expected. It’s obviously amazing to see how prepared Qatar is for the World Cup, and I think it’s going to be a fantastic tournament. I hope I’ll play in it if I’m still fit, and if I get the chance to be here I will. But I think especially for the people it will be a great experience and a must-see event.”
Weiss, who will be 32 in 2022, believes football in Slovakia is going through a golden period which could culminate in Qatar in seven years’ time: “It’s very far away but obviously I think to be in every World Cup is something special. We have a lot of new players that are in Slovakia so I think the football there is progressing – maybe not in the league itself – but a lot of new players coming through can hopefully carry on like this for another few years and be part of Qatar 2022.”
Weiss has only positive memories of his first World Cup in 2010, but said that Qatar’s compact tournament will mean travel times will be significantly reduced: “In South Africa we had to travel a few times and go to different cities by plane. This is going to be unique in Qatar. For all the people being here and travelling only a few kilometres is going to be amazing and really, really good for the fans and players as well.”
Playing in the QSL means he plays against Al Sadd – the new club of Xavi Hernandez – at least twice a year. Like many of his colleagues across the division, Weiss is relishing the chance to play against the Catalan legend: “He’s one of the best players in history, so obviously I look forward to playing against him.”
Finally, Weiss added that he agrees with the recent comments by Tottenham Hotspur and England striker Harry Kane, who told reporters that it will be beneficial for England to play a winter World Cup in Qatar, when the players are not tired after a long season. Weiss concluded: “I think the English players are playing a lot of games during the season. I think it’s something the clubs can benefit from.”