This Year Asia cup gave a shock to every one in football world and was one of the most important year for Gulf country who is hosting FIFA world cup 2022 Qatar.
Considered to be the underdogs,Qatar ranked 93rd in FIFA ranking and where not expected to even reach Semi Finals late alone win the Trophy in dominating fashion against one of the best team of Asia "Blue Samurai" (Japan) were not expected to lose the title against comparatively inferior team like Qatar.
Qatar Asia Cup Run:
They lost there first 3 games which was very disappointing for the players as well as fans but they won there first match against Lebanon and never looked back .
There biggest challenge to reach the finals where there rivals UAE (United Arab Emirates) which quickly became not only about football but centered more on politics as UAE has done border blocked to Qatar. Qatar defeated UAE in dominating fashion the score was 4-0 at full time but there was no tension between Qatari side and UAE in match.
After UAE they where destined to meet Blue Samurai of football Japan in battle as they are the strongest team in Asia right now.The odds where not at Qatar's side but they stood strong and faced Japan head on.
In the match the first goal was scored by Almoez Ali in 12 minutes and second goal was scored by Abdulaziz Hatem in 27 minutes.In second half Japan tried to do a comeback and Takumi Minamino scored a goal in 69 minutes of the game.
But they where cut short by Akram Afif when he scored from penalty in 83rd minute and won the game with score 3-1 to Qatar favor in full time.There top scorer and most valuable player was Almoez Ali who scored 9 goals in tournament and was best player of tournament.
Aftermath of Asia Cup:
They are invited to Copa America this year and they will not be looked as underdogs and the big opponents will be cautious about them as they can get upset victory if there form continues.
There FIFA rating will substantially grow and they will get invaluable experience from this tournament and will get to play against the power house of the football world like Argentina , Brazil , Chile, Columbia , Mexico etc.They will be looking forward to World Cup and will try to do same as previous host Russia who had a great run in world Cup and reached Quarter Finals.
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