Qatari captain Hassan Al Haydos celebrates after scoring their third goal against the UAE during their AFC Asian Cup semi-final, on Tuesday.
Qatar played flawless football and despite all odds they reached the final of AFC Asian Cup for the first time in history. Al Annabi captain Hassan Al Haydos described the feat a result of team work and at the same time credited ‘tremendous’ support back home for side’s unbeaten run in the continent’s premier tournament.
On Tuesday, coach Felix Sanchez’s men displayed a gutsy show to register a resounding 4-0 victory over hosts UAE, backed by hostile spectators at Abu Dhabi’s 42,000-capacity Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium.
Despite several sandal-throwing incidents, Qatari players remained focused and continued to score goals in the high-octane semi-final to tame their arch-rivals.
“I admire the patience of the team as all the players remained calm in the match,” said Al Haydos, who also scored one goal in the historic victory.
“We got all the energy and motivation from the continuous support, which we received from back home. The calls and congratulatory messages from the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani were a great source of encouragement for all of us throughout the tournament,” the captain added.
“The support from all the Qatari people motivated us all. I congratulate the people of Qatar because this achievement is for the whole country,” he added.
Commenting on the semi-final clash against the UAE, the Qatar captain said: “It was a tough match as UAE started strongly and were desperate to win on their home turf. But we kept our calm and managed to score twice in the first half to lay foundation of win. I am happy to contribute in the victory with a goal.”
“Our performance in the tournament, particularly in the semi-final will give us a lot of confidence and will make a strong impact on our careers in the future,” said Al Haydos.
In tomorrow’s final, Qatar will meet Japan, who are set to play for a record fifth AFC Asian Cup title clash.
“Japan are one of the top Asian teams and they are in the final after defeating Iran (in the semi-final). Definitely, they are tough opposition but we will also enter the field with confidence and give our best to win our first Asian Cup title,” said the experienced forward.
Meanwhile, defender Hamid Ismail, who scored Qatar’s last goal in rout over UAE, said team’s spirit was high ahead of the final.
“My goal against the UAE (in semi-final) was my first for the national team and I feel very happy and proud. We are a balanced side with best players in the squad and now all our focus is on the final against Japan,” he said.
Defender Assim Madibo said Qatar’s performance in the tournament will go a long way in helping the national team becoming a formidable side.
“We have performed very well throughout the tournament. We defeated tough sides in the event including a strong South Korean team. We deserve to be in the final and now we are eyeing the title,” said Madibo.
“This performance is a launching pad for us for bigger stages like Copa America and in other future events as we prepare for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar,” he added.
While recording six consecutive victories in the Asian Cup, Al Annabi scored a total of 16 goals without conceding any.
Feared striker Almoez Ali equalled tournament’s record for most goals in a single edition with a goal against UAE – his 8th goal in the ongoing event.
Qatar’s goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb also posted a new continental record having maintained a clean sheet with his country’s national team in 6 successive matches, completing 540 minutes in the Asian Cup without conceding a goal.
