WATCH: Qatar beats Japan 3-1 to win its first AFC Asian Cup
As Qatar is set to hit the one-year mark on one of its biggest wins in sports, the AFC Asian Cup 2019 against Asian giants Japan, we thought it would be apt to feature this stunning victory in today's QL Flashback Friday.
Sensational Qatar created history by winning their first-ever Asian Cup title with a comprehensive 3-1 win over Japan in a thrilling tie in Abu Dhabi on February 1, last year.
Qatar, which had never played a major tournament final before, had a point to prove and they did not give much breathing space to four-time champions Japan.
The Blue Samurai were stunned quite early on when Almoaz Ali scored his record-breaking ninth goal of the tournament from a bicycle kick.
In the 12th minute, the player collected a half-volley on his feet, bounced it a second time and then hit a scissor cut to the right corner of the net. He thus passed Iranian Ali Daei’s record of eight goals in a single Asian Cup.
Abdulaziz Hatem made it 2-0 for Qatar just 15 minutes later and it stunned the Japanese players. They could not recover from the shock and finished the half two goals behind.
Qatar started strongly in the second half, but they suffered a major jolt when their defender Boualem Khouki was stretchered off following an injury.
Qatar soon conceded their first goal of the tournament, with Japan’s Takumi Minamino slotting it home in the 69th minute.
Buoyed by the goal, Japanese players continued to press ahead and they initiated quite a few dangerous run-ins to Qatar’s box.
However, with seven minutes left, Qatar was awarded a penalty kick for a handball by Japan’s Maya Yoshida. The referee consulted with the Virtual Assistant Referee before awarding the spot kick to Qatar.
Akram Afif calmly slotted the ball home before jerking his jersey off and shadowboxing an imaginary opponent. He was yellow carded for his troubles.
This victory will remain a source of immense pride and happiness for all of us in Qatar.
We stand by our national team and wish them the best of luck in all that's in store for them in the near future!
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look news on Ratar champions AFC cup international https://galaxy88game.wordpress.com/2019/02/04/qatar-juara-afc-cup-2019-fantastis ^_^
Qatar the champion....... congrats qatar, Indonesia support u !!!!
Seems @AwiloLogomba is from UAE :-()
I am more happier than all .............
Congratulations Qatar for the historic maiden Asia Cup winning, we are watching on giant screen in makeshift stadium with thousands of people around and it felt like watching live in stadium at actual venue.
Never believed that Qatar national football team has so much potential to beat an international team like japan.
Outstanding performance by all.
@ AwiloLogomba what is the source ??
OFFICIAL HOLIDAY SUNDAY. DONT GO INTO WORK.
History created, hence it should be reconize every year and celecbrate by nation as national holiday every year.
Rose, I support you on Sunday .........................
Wonderful , really , so much excited , yea .......................
Can we expect a Holiday on Sunday....
Mabroukk Very nice dominant game. Shame a goal was conceived, could've been two records broken.
Everyone saying Sunday holy day ... It is true?
Any news about Sunday OFF...?
Its been officially announced: PUBLIC HOLIDAY SUNDAY
Is it off tomorrow? Government should announce to off tomorrow to celebrate the victory
Best team ever for spirit, even their fans were hundreds of miles away, Team Qatar won the match and hoist the flag. This is historical and an emerging victory against massive suppress. Mabrook Team Qatar
Sheikh Tamim - the Glory
Mabrook Qatar, you proved to them that by God's grace we can do it. Congrats, ee proud of you
Don’t care. It’s already their off tomorrow. Private sector!! Join the duty on time :-D
Is it tomorrow and Sunday off for both private n gov. Firm.
Hope there will be holiday tomorrow. Waiting eagerly
Is it an off tomorrow?
wonderful match. Claps to the Qatar team. YAY.
Well played Qatar team...kudoos..
Mabrook Qatar so proud and happy to live here
Qatar Qatar Qatar Champion champion champion
Qatar Qatar Qatar Champion champion champion
I heard Sunday is going to be off day.