JAKARTA - Host Qatar surpassed public expectations. Before the tournament, doubts emerged that the Maroons could not make it to the 2023 Asian Cup final and even defended the trophy.
However, that view was denied. Qatar performed nicely throughout the tournament. They will face Jordan in the final which was held at the Lusail Stadium, Saturday, February 10, 2024.
Qatar's chance to defend the Asian Cup title won in the last edition of 2019 was wide open. Moreover, they appear in front of their own supporters.
Apart from that, Qatar did play impressively. Several figures became important motorbikes for the team who finally answered public doubts.
They are on the verge of setting a new record, becoming Asia's fifth team to win a consecutive Asian Cup trophy after Iran, South Korea, Japan, and Saudi Arabia.
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Akram Afif
Afif is in outstanding form, scoring five goals and providing three assists. His speed, skills, and vision have created chaos for the opponent's defense throughout the tournament. Afif played an important role in helping his team lift the Asian Cup trophy five years ago. He set a record 10 assists at the time.
Of course, Afif will be eager to present an outstanding performance in the final against Jordan.
Hasan Al Haydos
Al Haydos has played the captain's role perfectly. He has his technical skills, extraordinary vision, and strong leadership qualities. The 33-year-old can also score goals, as seen amazingly in the group stage match against China.
He again added to his coffers against Palestine and Uzbekistan.
Qatar clearly relied on their veterans to take the team to the Asian Cup title ladder again.
Almoez Ali
Unlike 2019, Ali has yet to score in the 2023 Asian Cup. However, there is no denying the important role he played in the squad. The striker's work is second to none because he is equally proficient in leading attacks and withdrawing to survive.
More importantly, he also scored in a semi-final win against Iran.
Almoez Ali has scored two goals throughout the tournament. He scored one more goal in the group stage against Lebanon.
Marquez Lopez
It is undeniable that coach Marquez Lopez also played a role in bringing Qatar one step further to winning the 2023 Asian Cup title.
If he can defend the Asian Cup title, of course praise will lead to him.
Previously, there had been doubts about the Spaniard. The skeptical views were rampant after Lopez took over from the position of coach of Qatar from the hands of Carlos Queiroz in December 2023.
However, Qatar's success in reaching the final is proof of Lopez's ability to get the best out of his players. Moreover, he only had a month to polish his troops before appearing in the 2023 Asian Cup.
Of course, with such a short preparation, bringing Qatar to the final and having the opportunity to defend the Asian Cup title is an extraordinary ability. Lopez has an idea that is still fresh and has no trouble adapting because he already has extensive experience in Qatar football.
Lopez has left Al Wakrah, who has led the Qatar Stars League team since 2018, to lead the national team.
His calm approach has undoubtedly helped a team that could have easily given up on expectations to become a strong team to defend the Asian Cup title. Lopez has protected his squad throughout the tournament. He insisted that Qatar would only look to the next game.
The approach worked very well because Qatar was easy to get through the group stage with three wins. In fact, when the challenges got more difficult in the knockout stages, the former Espanyol and Sint-Truiden Lopez manager tried to get the best out of his players.
His approach has resulted in the best of the players, such as Akram Afif, Almoez Ali, and Hassan Al Haydos.
Although the three are Qatari leaders, the other players played an important role thanks to Lopez's management skills. The approach to one game in one game has brought Qatar to the brink of glory.
"Now we have one last step left in ordering us to defend our title," said Lopez firmly. Qatar fans can be sure that their team will be ready to face it. Lopez will make sure of that.
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