ABU DHABI • Coming from nowhere to win the Asian Cup is just part of Qatar's long road to their home World Cup in 2022.
Felix Sanchez's team are keeping their expectations in check for the Copa America, the South American championship where they are guests along with Japan beginning in June, despite snatching the Asian title as a lowly world No. 93 side.
But it is hard to overstate their feat - from zero points in Australia 2015 to their first continental title in record-breaking style.
It also means that resource-rich Qatar are finally making headlines for the right reasons after the turbulence that surrounded their successful bid to host world football's showpiece.
Almoez Ali's bicycle-kick opener epitomised a stylish triumph, 3-1 over Japan in the final, as he broke Ali Daei's 23-year-old mark for goals at a single Cup.
"I'm sorry for breaking Mr Daei's record," a humble Ali said after scoring his ninth of the Cup.
"I expected to score goals, maybe three or four, but I didn't expect to score nine."
Fittingly for a team who have punched above their weight, Akram Afif struck a boxing-style pose as he celebrated the late penalty to end Japan's resistance, after they briefly threatened a comeback when 2-1 down.
Qatar conceded just one goal all tournament and scored 19, winning all seven games and beating other former champions Saudi Arabia, Iraq and South Korea.
They also thrived in a hostile environment in the United Arab Emirates owing to the ongoing Gulf blockade, with their fans largely barred from visiting and home spectators pelting them with shoes and bottles in the semi-finals.
The title raised the beguiling possibility of Qatar being crowned champions of both Asia and South America, although they will first have to get out of a group comprising Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay.
But Ali said the Copa is about continuing the methodical approach that has already paid dividends.
"We're not expecting to win, but just to learn - because, after the World Cup, the Copa is the biggest competition in the world," he said.
"Asia is the weakest continent for football so, in the Copa America, we will learn more. This will help us have a better performance in 2022."
After spending many millions of petrodollars on their world-class Aspire Academy, and scouring the world for top coaches, Qatar are beginning to recoup their investment. Head coach Sanchez led Qatar to their first Asian Under-19 title in 2014 and they reached the U-23 semi-finals last year, when Ali was also top scorer.
Afif chalked up a tournament-record 10 assists and formed a devastating partnership with Ali, underlining Qatar's cohesion in both defence and attack after years spent playing together.
"We've been together seven years so I know exactly where Akram will be, where he will pass and he always knows what to expect from me," Ali said. "We get along very well together too."
Qatar's win sparked jubilant scenes back home but, for the team, bigger goals now lie ahead.
"This is one step more to continue developing the team, to play another tournament in the summer and to be ready in 2022 to represent Qatar," Sanchez said.
For Japan, captain Maya Yoshida was aggrieved about Uzbek referee Ravshan Irmatov's decision to award a penalty for handball against him after a video review.
"That third goal was really tough to accept," he said. "It killed the game. If that's a penalty, I probably have to jump without using my arms. It was accidental but that was the referee's decision."
He added: "But they played well and deserve to be champions.
"No excuses, we move on."
The Samurai Blue are grouped with Uruguay, Chile and Ecuador for the Copa. But he hopes the setback will help them make a breakthrough beyond the last 16 at the World Cup.
He said: "Our first target is, of course, to qualify and then get over the wall at which we were stopped last time, the round of 16. That is an objective for Japanese football."
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
How The Premier League Title Race And Top-Four Battle Will Be Decided landing but United need to make it that far with their hopes still alive. Chelsea have must-win matches against
Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette is eligible to play in Thursday's Europa League last 16 second-leg clash against Rennes after his three-match ban was reduced to two games, UEFA said on Tuesday.
Football: Arsenal's Lacazette free to face Rennes as Uefa
LONDON: Jurgen Klopp has warned Liverpool's Premier League rivals that the leaders are laying the foundations for long-term success. Klopp's side sit four points clear at the top as they chase Liverpool's first English title since 1990.
Liverpool laying groundwork for sustained success, says Klopp
Newcastle took a huge step towards securing their Premier League survival as Ayoze Perez sealed a 1-0 win against Leicester on Friday. Rafael Benitez's side moved 10 points clear of the relegation
Football: Perez heads Newcastle closer to Premier League
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised his Manchester United players after they gave him the perfect start to his reign with a 5-1 victory at Cardiff just days after Jose Mourinho was sacked. Former United striker Solskjaer had just two days to prepare his players for his first match as caretaker manager.
Manchester United : Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praises buccaneering
"I'm not happy to play the second role. That's why I said next year I will need to have a more important role to play in the team." When asked whether he has already had offers to go elsewhere, Giroud added: "Yes but I won't reveal that now. The priority is Chelsea.
Giroud demands important role at Chelsea next season
Feb 27, 2019 · Luis Suárez scored twice, to go with Raphaël Varane's own goal, as Barcelona beat Real Madrid 3-0 for 4-1 on aggregate to reach the Copa del Rey final
Barca beat Real Madrid to reach Copa del Rey final
AC Milan miss out on top-four finish despite SPAL win. was hauled down to rekindle Milan's hopes of earning Champions League football next season, but their joy was short-lived as news of
AC Milan miss out on top-four finish despite SPAL win | Free
Marcus Rashford Income, Houses,Cars, Luxurious Lifestyle and Net Worth 2019 Maybe you want to watch Cristiano Ronaldo - Transformation From 1 To 32 Years Old
Marcus Rashford Family, Parents, Wife, Son, Daughter
Read more about Liverpool's Klopp condemns 'disgusting' Salah abuse ahead of Chelsea clash on Business Standard. Jurgen Klopp has condemned "disgusting" racist abuse aimed at Mohamed Salah and called for lifetime bans for the Chelsea fans accused of taunting the Liverpool star.A video circulated on social media ahead of Chelsea's Europa League match at Slavia
Liverpool's Klopp condemns 'disgusting' Salah abuse ahead of
Pack sizes vary, most packs have 6 or 7 members, although some may include as many as 15 wolves. The size depends on many variables including the current numbers of the wolf population, the abundance of food, and social factors within the wolf pack. Within each pack is an elaborate hierarchy.
adaptations - Gray Wolf
graywolves.weebly.com/adaptations.html
The Gray Wolf has many adaptations that help it survive. It has teeth and claws for hunting. The fur of the gray wolf is a great insulator and it can keep out moisture. The hearing and their sense of smell are a lot better than humans have. The fleshy paws they have are better for traction in the winter.
Wolves and moose on Isle Royale - Wikipedia
Harry Kane will start the Champions League final against Liverpool in Madrid having been passed fit to play for Tottenham. The striker has not featured since April 9 but returns to the starting team.
Kane starts for Tottenham in Champions League final - Daily
Leicester snatched a precious point from Liverpool. Manchester United made a comeback to do the same. Leicester will be a tricky opponent at home but I believe in Solksjær's men to get all 3 points at the King Power Stadium. 3-0 Manchester United. Manchester City vs Arsenal . Dan. Both teams will be nervous heading into this.
Pre Match Thread: Liverpool Fc Vs Man City [Pl]
Feb 14, 2019 · Alexandre Lacazette sent off as sloppy Arsenal see Bate Borisov seize Europa League first-leg advantage football calendar, BATE had not played a match since December 13. Such was the muddy
Bate Borisov 1-0 Arsenal: Gunners suffer defeat in Belarus
Defender Jan Vertonghen scored once and set up another goal for Son Heung-min as Tottenham Hotspur beat Borussia Dortmund 3-0 at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday to give them the clear edge following
Champions League: Vertonghen shines as Tottenham cruise past
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar