Qatar has turned its fortunes around after World Cup exit and lit up home Asian Cup
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — In the World Cup, Qatar is just another team.
In the Asian Cup, Qatar is a force to be reckoned with.
Just over a year since it exited its own World Cup in the group stage and without a single point, Qatar is one win away from back-to-back Asian Cup finals and the chance to retain its trophy.
The Maroons play three-time champion Iran in the semifinals on Wednesday at Al Thumama Stadium.
“Despite doubts from some quarters about Qatar’s chances of reaching the final, our team is filled with confidence and excitement, fueled by positive energy," Qatar defender Tarek Salman says.
The tournament host has good reason to be positive.
In forward Akram Afif, it has one of the players of the tournament, while the team has been driven on by fervent support from fans whose passion does not appear to have been dimmed by the disappointment of the World Cup when Qatar was certain of elimination after just two group games.
“The motivation within our team is strong," Salman adds. “Both sides are determined to reach the final. However, we won the title in the previous edition and we want to repeat that success again.”
Qatar won the Asian Cup for the first time in 2019 and has looked assured in its defense of the trophy, advancing from the group stage with maximum points and beating Palestine in the round of 16.
In the quarterfinals, it needed penalties to overcome Uzbekistan.
Iran was one of the pre-tournament favorites and will likely represent Qatar's toughest test yet.
“Iran are a very strong team," Qatar coach Marquez Lopez says. "We have not underestimated any team we have played in this competition so we will not start doing that against Iran.
“Of course we enter this match with big motivation, we are one step away from the final. We have a chance to reach a second straight final which is a big driving factor for us."
Iran also advanced from the group stage with a 100% winning record and beat pre-tournament favorite Japan in the quarterfinals.
It is aiming for a record-equalling fourth Asian title and its first since 1976.
“I told the players to forget the Japan match. What is important now is to beat Qatar and reach the final," Iran coach Ardeshir Ghalehnoy says. “We know they are a good team, the defending champions, and have spent a lot to improve the team.”
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James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
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