SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2019

“Congratulations to the leadership, the people of and the Arab world oonn AsianAsia Cup 2019 champions, the Al Annabi triumph. The achievement is not just for Qatar but also of the peopleple of QatarQata football team will be arriving the Arab world and the Middle East which will host the first-ever World Cupin in 202 2022.”2.” – Qatar Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al Thani hohomem to a grand welcome today.

AL ANNABI ON TOP OF THE Magic of The Maroons CONTINENT

VINAY NAYUDU ALL it sheer bril- and the unfolding of liance or absolute genius, if there was ever a fairytale you had only heard of Cand may not have seen un- fold then Qatar’s magnificent triumph in the Asian Cup was one such dream come true. a Qatari fairytale Right from the start until the enthralling final against the four-time champions Ja- Asian Cup pan, there was no stopping the Maroons, who in exem- Roll of plary fashion displayed to the Honour world what football means to this World Cup 2022 hosting O 1956 South Korea nation and its people. O 1960 South Korea O 1964 Israel O 1968 Iran O 1972 Iran O 1976 Iran O 1980 Kuwait O 1984 Saudi Arabia O 1988 Saudi Arabia O 1992 Japan

To win seven games in a O 1996 Saudi Arabia row, we deserve to be O 2000 Japan champions. We made history for our country. It O 2004 Japan was an unbelievable O 2007 opening goal from Almoez – he’s so dynamic, O 2011 Japan everything he touches O 2015 Australia turns into gold. O 2019 Qatar Qatar coach Felix Sanchez on his team’s Asian triumph

Qatar’s football achieve- ment and emergence as cham- pions of Asia is a tribute to the country’s wise leadership, the passion for sport of its people, the astute planning of the Qa- tar Football Association, and surely the big hard work of its players and the guidance of super coach Felix Sanchez. Qatar won seven matches in the tournament in steam- rolling style, and conceded just one goal against Japan. That too can be termed as an aber- The Qatar football team and ration, though given their grit officials after the Asian Cup the Samurai Blue did breach 2019 trophy presentation in the so unbreakable seeming on Friday. Qatar beat wall of Qatar defence. Japan 3-1 in the final.(REUTERS) While the scoreline 3-1 highlights the dominance of champions Qatar over Japan, it was the super free-flowing play of Al Annabi that won the hearts of football aficionados all over the world. Somewhat tiki-taka yet typical Qatari, the heart- stopping ball control, the deft short passes, the sprinting bursts, and the cheetah-like swiftness when it came for the rank and file to fall back in de- fence – their beautiful game was just magical. , who plays for Al Duhail, and is only 22, emerged as the jewel in Qa- almost sure of having made the Year tar’s glittering crown scoring their mission possible. headed one inside the Japa- the most number of goals in an The Japs, however, have nese box, the ball rolled on Asian Cup. Almoez surpassed been known to rise from to the hand of Iranian great ’s record the dead and they did put and the alert Abdelkarim in an astounding manner with in their all in the second es- made the referee aware of a bicycle kick – an image which say retaining maximum ball what had transpired. The VAR is already etched in the minds possession. Their sweat work was called for and Qatar were of millions and shall keep get- fetched them a reward too as awarded a penalty which the ting replayed each time an Minamino managed to get dazzling Akram Afif kicked Asian Cup is mentioned and past the unbreachable Qatar gleefully in to complete the talked about. custodian in glorious journey of a nation With Almoez’s magic un- the 69th minute. which shall hence be referred folding as early as the 12th The reversal raised Japa- to as the Asian Cup 2019 minute, Qatar were well on way nese hopes and they set out champions and who never lost to making history. Fifteen min- to seek an equaliser which, a game to emerge as one! utes later, alas, didn’t come thanks to the Tears rolled, hugs were produced another brilliant left- alertness and die-hard defence exchanged and voices choked foot strike that had the stamp of the Maroon brigade. with emotion. of class and technique all over And just as the dynamic “No words,” said Sanchez it going boom over and into the coach Sanchez kept directing soon after the match taking right corner of the net. his boys to go back to their at- a pause to add, “We did won- Two telling blows bamboo- tacking play rather than trying ders. Japan did try to come zled the Japanese defence and Man of the tournament at Asian Cup 2019, Almoez Ali executes his bril- to defend, came another dra- back and we knew how to stop Qatar were like kings on the liant bicycle kick goal against Japan in the final in Abu Dhabi on Friday. matic moment. them. We got a great result and field. They went into the break As the tall AFC Player of well deserved.” Sports Saturday, February 2, 2019 13 How coach Sanchez moulded his Young Turks into big champions

RAAJIV TRIPATHI young players was cleared. Qatar’s present 23-man Asian Cup team consists of 14 QATAR’S brilliant young bri- Qatar’s historic triumph players who are 25 or under. gade which authored a golden has driven many points Even the first eleven against chapter in Continental foot- home. The first, it has Japan contained six players ball history on Friday had below 25. The oldest in the Qa- patience and precision as the indeed created a new tar squad is Akram Afif’s elder hallmarks of their epochal centre of football power brother Ali at 30. Rest are not performance. in Asia. With a strong more than 28, including skip- Al Annabi’s great achieve- system of the League and per Haydos. ment also had a lot to do various other tournaments The inclusion of the young with their former FC Barce- players also helped the Qatar lona former youth coach Felix in place, backed by the defence to a great extent. They Sanchez, who deserves to be , Qatar had players running back im- complimented as much as any have eventually silenced mediately after the loss of other. His belief in the young all detractors who were possession, tightening the players, who grew up and thinking about Al Annabi defence and crowding out the graduated under his care and rivals. This factor also sharp- guidance, ‘set a tune’ too dif- getting a free ride in the ened Qatar’s counter-attack- ficult for any of their rivals to 2022 World Cup as ing abilities, which used to be match in the UAE. hosts. missing earlier. It would also be rather out The young players gelled of place to single out any par- well with senior players and ticular player at this moment. their splendid team work was But it may be fairly added capped with the AFC Cup to- that if forwards Almoez Ali, day. Japan were the first team Akram Afif, goalkeeper Saad in the tournament to get a al Sheeb, defenders Abdelka- goal against Qatar. On the rim Hassan, Pedro Correia or other hand, Qatar, riding Ali’s midfielder Abdelaziz Hatim record tally of nine strikes, excelled, it was undoubtedly slammed 19 goals and won all possible due to the inspira- their seven matches. tional leadership of Hasan al Qatar’s historic triumph Haydos, masterful planning has driven many points home. and the admirable control The first, it has indeed cre- over the players by the Span- ated a new centre of football ish tactician. power in Asia. With a strong Given the responsibility system of the League and of shaping the national team various other tournaments in worthy of being the FIFA 2022 place, backed by the Aspire World Cup hosts, it was quite Academy, Qatar have eventu- unfortunate that Sanchez fell THE TOAST OF THE CONTINENTAL CHAMPIONS: Qatar’s coach Felix Sanchez is thrown in the air as his team celebrates their win in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup final over Japan atthe ally silenced all detractors who short of the nation’s dream Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Friday. (AFP) were thinking about Al Annabi last year when Qatar failed getting a free ride in the 2022 to qualify for the 2018 Russia did play well but the defence were quite tight. QFA management and Felix out of time to make any impact began to deliver the goods. It World Cup as hosts. World Cup. was not able to withstand the As a result, Qatar, which swung into action and were as a top tier team in Asia. was tested during plenty of Now the time leading to It may however be re- waves of attacks and cracked did exceptionally well in the forced to take some hard deci- The new experiment of ax- friendly matches and then as the FIFA mega event would be called that in the third stage of under pressure, mostly in the previous stages, finished as the sions as the gone-by opportu- ing some of the ageing players the think tank got satisfied, a more than exciting and worth the WC qualifications, Qatar closing stages. All the matches bottom side in their group. The nity meant Qatar were running and introducing young blood squad with a fair sprinkling of waiting for. ‘Proud’ Almoez says triumph one more step towards 2022

AFP ABU DHABI

QATAR stunned Japan 3-1 to capture their first Asian Cup title on Friday sparked by a moment of jaw-dropping bril- liance from record-breaker Almoez Ali and after a contro- versial late twist. Striker Ali scored with an acrobatic bicycle kick after just 12 minutes and Abdelaziz Ha- tim curled in a superb second before Akram Afif converted a VAR-assisted penalty to give the 2022 World Cup hosts a famous victory in Abu Dhabi.

Qatar’s Abdelkarim Hassan and teammates celebrate with the trophy after winning the 2019 Asian Cup in Abu Dhabi on Friday. (REUTERS) We need to be proud of this achievement. It’s Qatar players celebrate one more step towards being ready Asian title with Omanis, for 2022. Almoez Ali wait for Doha party

“We made history for our REUTERS told reporters. country,” said Qatar coach ABU DHABI “We thank them.” Felix Sanchez. Qatar’s Amir HH Sheikh “We need to be proud of QATAR’S Abdelkarim Has- Tamim bin Hamad al Thani this achievement. It’s one san celebrated his country’s congratulated the team on more step towards being ready maiden Asian Cup title with their first continental title on for 2022.” an Oman flag draped over his , describing it as an Qatar survived a wobble at shoulders on Friday, a graph- “historic achievement”. two-nil when Takumi Minami- ic recognition of the support “Tomorrow is going to be no pulled one back on 69 min- the Omanis have given the the official celebration with utes, only for Uzbek referee team throughout a difficult everybody,” midfielder Assim to award the tournament. Omer Madibo told reporters. Maroons a penalty on review A deep political rift in the “I’ve been waiting for this for a handball by Japan cap- Gulf means Qataris, who used moment for a long time. I’m tain Maya Yoshida. to travel freely to the United very happy we made the Qatari “That’s one of the tough- Arab Emirates, are banned people proud of this team,” est ways to lose,” a distraught from entering the country with- Qatar enjoyed the sup- Yoshida told AFP. out a special permit and that re- port of a few dozen Omanis “That third goal is tough sulted in almost none travelling during their 4-0 semi-final to accept. It killed the game. to support their team. thrashing of the UAE, when If that’s a penalty probably I’ll They will get their chance sandals and plastic bottles have to jump without using to show what the victory were thrown at Qatar players my arms.” Qatar’s Almoez Ali offers a prayer as his teammates celebrate winning the 2019 AFC Asian Cup final against Japan at the Mohammed Bin means to them in Doha on by Emirati supporters. Ali, meanwhile, became the Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Friday. Man of the tournament Almoez scored a record nine goals in the tournament. (AFP) Saturday but in their absence At the final, they turned first player to score nine goals at Zayed Sport City, thousands out in huge numbers with ma- at a single Asian Cup after be- record four titles in 2011. off the post. came 31 years ago, mustered But moments later Afif of Omanis turned out to cheer roon scarves emblazoned with ing cleared to play just hours But the Blue Samurai were Ali almost scored again little of note, much to the cha- ended Japan’s resistance with them to a 3-1 win over Japan. the world ‘Qatar’ in before kickoff following a UAE soon chopped down by Ali’s within a minute, only to be de- grin of their colourful fans a cheeky dink from the spot to The UAE, Saudi Arabia, over their heads. Others held protest over his eligibility. outrageous early strike, which nied by a desperate block from among a crowd of 36,000 – complete a fairytale triumph Bahrain, and Egypt cut ties joint Qatar and Oman flags. Surprise package Qatar took him past Iran legend Ali Yoshida. several sporting fancy dress, for Qatar. with Qatar in June 2017. A group of Omanis, some had never before gone beyond Daei’s record tally of eight However, Qatar doubled including one hardy soul in an “We are definitely proud of Oman has taken a neutral po- wearing the maroon scarves, told the Asian Cup quarter-finals goals at the 1996 tournament. their lead in the 27th minute inflatable sumo suit. this,” said Ali after the Qatari sition in the row. Reuters before the match they but they scored 16 unanswered Cleverly found by Afif, Ali after yet another Afif assist – That all changed when players were showered with “We were here in the UAE estimated six thousand Omanis goals coming into the final and flicked the ball up to him- his 10th of the tournament – Minamino breached Qatar’s golden confetti at the trophy and there were no fans and were coming to the game. kept a record six clean sheets. self before launching into as Hatim bent in a sumptuous defence for the first time this ceremony. then the Omani fans started “We should support Qatar Japan, on the other hand, an overhead volley that left left-foot shot from distance. tournament with a delicate “I expected to score goals coming out to support us and because we are all Arabs,” said had never lost an Asian Cup Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Japan, whose only previ- chip after Hatim had blazed – maybe three or four – but I were are very grateful,” Player another Omani, Nasir, who final, winning the last of their Gonda helpless as it flew in ous Asian Cup defeat by Qatar over from close range. didn’t expect to score nine.” of the Tournament Almoez Ali did not give his last name. 14 Saturday, February 2, 2019 Sports Qatar’s historic victory delights passionate fans across nation Japan coach IKOLI VICTOR DOHA Japan coach JUBILANT Qatar fans par- tied in the streets of Doha as disappointed they celebrated their team’s amazing AFC Asian Cup 2019 but pleased triumph on Friday. Qatar are now the champions of Asia for the first time after beat- with progress ing Japan 3-1 in the final of the Asian Cup in Abu Dhabi REUTERS on Friday. ABU DHABI While the national team celebrated their victory in JAPAN coach Hajime Moriyasu Abu Dhabi, the fans here at was naturally disappointed that home were no less passion- his side missed out on a winning ate. The euphoric citizens a fifth Asian Cup title on Friday and expatriates rushed to the but believes the improvement streets to celebrate the stu- of the squad augurs well for the pendous victory. future. Thousands had gathered Moriyasu, who took over af- at the Aspire Zone, Souq Wa- ter last year’s run to the round qif and Katara to cheer the of 16 at the World Cup, had team from the blast of the made it clear throughout their whistle. Fans carrying the na- time in the United Arab Emir- tional flag were dressed in the ates that his squad was a work national colours to fully sa- in progress. vour the moment. “The goal was to be cham- Traffic jams were antici- pions so I’m disappointed,” he pated as the fans rushed out to said. “But I feel proud at how we the street in their cars to cheer developed under pressure. We the historic victory. all the fans for coming to As- had a mix of youth and experi- At the Aspire Zone, a gi- SPECIAL DAY! pire to cheer the players. The ence and our seven matches we ant screen was mounted with crowd here has been awesome showed development against fans already seated two hours This is the most and I am so happy for the love teams playing different styles. to the kickoff of the epic final. special day in my life to the country.” “I wasn’t to thank my expe- Every bit of the space was to witness this great “I can’t believe this hap- rienced players and I hope that filled as it turned out to be a pening. I am happy to witness today’s result makes the young- family picnic with food and success. I am happy this amazing moment in the er players hungry for success. drinks, tables and chairs posi- and congratulate all history of Qatar and it will al- “I think this tournament tioned for the big occasion. the fans for coming ways stay with me for the rest will be a base to rebuild the Ja- Everyone stood in unison to Aspire to cheer the of my life. It is like a dream. pan team. It’s my job to over- to sing the national anthem Look at the fans from differ- see the process but I want the of Qatar and cheered every players. The crowd ent countries wearing our col- players to be proud of what we moment the players surged here has been ours to cheer Qatar,” another have done in this tournament.” forward into the rival’s area awesome and I am female fan said. Moriyasu blamed himself for or whenever they cleared a so happy for the love Francis Oriel, a Briton, Qatar’s first goal and said once dangerous incursion into to the country. said: “I am in shock of Qatar’s Japan conceded the second, it Qatar’s area. exploits at the Asian Cup. This was always going to be tough to When the opening goal Qatar football fan is a reflection of what we are to get back into the match. was scored by Almoez Ali, expect in the 2022 World Cup “”We made a poor start. We many fans didn’t realise the Fans cheer during the Qatar national team’s victory in the AFC Asian Cup final against Japan.(AGENCIES) A Qatari fan, Mohammed in Qatar. The amazing crowd couldn’t get into our rhythm. quality of his record-breaking al Jabber, said: “This is the here, the music and partying We conceded the first goal be- goal until it was replayed and At the blast of the final the end of Aspire zone to the danced to the loud music most special day in my life to will continue until tomorrow. cause there was a mis-match they screamed loud like it had whistle, fans carried their pic- other. There were similar played out in the designated witness this great success. I I am so proud to be here cel- between the Japan and Qatar just happened. nic chairs and danced from scenes at Souq Waqif as fans area for the game. am happy and congratulate ebrating with Qatar.” systems,” he said.

PROTEAS CLINCH 1ST T20I Windies aim Big centuries by Burns, Head for big first Aussies in control SCOREBOARD innings lead AUSTRALIA (1ST INNINGS): against Sri Lanka M. Harris c C.Karunaratne b Fernando ...... 11 J. Burns not out ...... 172 REUTERS AFP U. Khawaja c Mendis b Fernando ...... 0 NORTH SOUND (ANTIGUA) M. Labuschagne c Dickwella b C.Karunaratne ...... 6 CANBERRA T. Head lbw b Fernando ...... 161 K. Patterson not out ...... 25 WEST Indies pressed home JOE Burns and Travis Head Extras (lb1 nb5, w3) ...... 9 their advantage on day two of plundered Australia’s first Total (four wickets; 87 overs) ...... 384 the second Test against Eng- To bat: Tim Paine, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Jhye centuries of the home summer Richardson, Nathan Lyon land in Antigua on Friday, Friday in a stirring fightback Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Harris), 2-15 (Khawaja), 2-28 racking up 212 for five at tea as they ruthlessly exposed Sri (Labuschagne), 4-336 (Head) in their first innings. Lanka’s inexperienced attack Bowling: Rajitha 20-5-67-0, Fernando 20-2-99-3, The home team put on 96 C. Karunaratne 14-0-87-1, Perera 19-0-90-0, De in the second Test at Canberra. Silva 14-2-40-0. runs in the first session, with Australian skipper Tim Toss: Australia opener John Campbell the Paine won the toss at the Ma- lone man dismissed before nuka Oval and put his side in Australia’s centurians Travis Head (left) and Joe Burns run between overlooked for series against lunch, caught behind for 47 on a flat track conducive to bat- the wickets during the first day of the second and final cricket Test Pakistan and India, opener off Ben Stokes. ting, a gambit that paid off after match against Sri Lanka in Canberra on Friday. (AFP) Burns survived a dropped Kraigg Brathwaite made a some early wobbles. catch on 34, but was otherwise patient 49, while Shai Hope At stumps, they were a On a cool, overcast day, “We knew the first hour was invincible and brought up his cracked 44 with five fours. commanding 384 for four with Burns and Head dug Australia going to be tough, bit of grass fourth Test ton off 147 balls It was a frustrating first Burns not out 172 and Kurtis out of a hole after they lost on the wicket, so despite losing with a single. session for England, who Patterson, who was dropped Marcus Harris, Usman Kha- the three wickets we just knew His 172 surpassed his pre- recovered and bagged four first ball, on 25. waja and Marnus Labuschagne we had to absorb the pressure,” vious high score of 170 against wickets before tea on a North Head fell for 161 after a cheaply to be in trouble at 28 said Burns. New Zealand in 2016. Sound pitch that looked dis- 308-run stand with Burns -- for three. “We also knew they were an Burns’ knock was the first South Africa’s Faf du Plessis (left) celebrates after scoring 50 during tinctly less green than on day Australia’s first stand over 200 After weathering the storm inexperienced bowling attack century for Australia since the first T20 cricket match against Pakistan at the Newlands one. since Steve Smith and Mitch and as the new ball lost its that was going to present scoring Khawaja’s 141 against Paki- Stadium in Cape Town on Friday. South Africa won the match by six Marsh achieved the feat in the shine, the pair started cashing opportunities if we got through stan in in October and runs. Batting first, they made a massive 192 for six with Reeza Hen- BRIEF SCORES (AT TEA): third Test against England in in on a Sri Lankan attack miss- those tough periods. Hopefully only the second an Austral- dricks hitting 74 and Du Plessis getting 78. Usman Shinwari bagged West Indies 212 for 5 (Bravo 18*, December 2017. ing their top bowlers and fields- we can come out tomorrow and ian has scored since the fifth three for 31. During chase, Pakistan replied with 186 for 9. Babar Dowrich 19*) lead England 187 (Moeen Vishwa Fernando was the men who put down a host of do much the same.” Ashes Test in Sydney almost 13 Azam (38), Hussain Talat (40) and Shoaib Malik (39) were the main 60, Bairstow 52, Roach 4-30) by 25 runs best of the bowlers with 3-99. chances. Back in the side after being months ago. scorers. Hendricks, Morris 2-39 and Shamsi shared six wickets. (AFP) Clash of generations for Super Bowl title LeBron James returns

REUTERS Rams head coach, 33-year-old ing their third consecutive to spark Lakers to win ATLANTA Sean McVay, will become the Super Bowl appearance, their youngest to win a Super Bowl. fourth in the last five years and AFP James called the 36-day THE New England Patriots If the Patriots lift the Vince ninth since 2002, winning five LOS ANGELES absence some of the darkest and Los Angeles Rams will Lombardi Trophy 66-year-old times. days of his career. play for a Super Bowl title on Bill Belichick becomes the old- With a win the Rams, who LEBRON James made a tri- “I worked my ass off to get Sunday in a generational clash est. won a Super Bowl in 2000 umphant return to the court back to this point,” James said. that could come to define At 24, Rams’ Jared Goff is before relocating to the West on Thursday, breathing new “It was the toughest stretch of an era or mark a new begin- the fourth youngest quarter- coast, would celebrate their life into the floundering Los my career not being out on the ning for the National Football back to start a Super Bowl and second Super Bowl title and Angeles Lakers with a 123-120 floor.” League. with a victory would become first since their move to Los overtime victory over the Los James said he is at “80 per- The NFL will celebrate a the second youngest winner Angeles in 2016. Angeles Clippers. cent” fitness and will see how landmark 100th anniversary behind Pittsburgh Steelers’ For all of Belichick and James, who missed 17 he feels in the morning when next season with either the Ben Roethlisberger. McVay’s coaching and motiva- games due to a groin injury, he wakes up. He played more Patriots’ old guard as defend- The Patriots’ Tom Brady, tional brilliance and the quar- scored a team-high 24 points, than he expected with the ing champions looking to ex- 41, will replace Peyton Man- terbacking wizardry of Brady grabbed 14 rebounds and de- game going into overtime. tend their dynasty into a new ning as the oldest quarterback A view of replica Vince Lombardi trophy at Super Bowl LIII at the and Goff, the battle for the livered nine assists in his first “I am at 80 percent right century or with the kids from to win a Super Bowl if he can Centennial Park in Atlanta on Friday. (USA TODAY SPORTS) Super Bowl will most likely be NBA game since Christmas now. But I was good enough Los Angeles having seized the secure a sixth ring that would won in the trenches. Day. to feel confident to just keep torch. also all but put an end to the player ever to be named Su- completions (235), passing at- The Patriots’ offensive line Showing no sign of the in- pushing throughout the game,” In sport a changing of the debate over whether ‘No. 12’ is per Bowl most valuable player tempts (357) and touchdown has put an impenetrable force jury that resulted in the longest he said. guard is usually a slow, drawn- the greatest NFL player of all- four times. passes (18). field around Brady, allowing absence of his 16-year career, “I want to see how my body out process and rarely comes time. He owns almost every sig- The Super Bowl will pro- the 41-year-old time to work James played 40 minutes and reacts tomorrow. That’s the as sharply defined as it could The future Hall of Famer nificant Super Bowl quarter- vide a matchup that could not his magic particularly in two scored the go-ahead basket tell-tale sign for me is how my be in this year’s Super Bowl. is the only starting quarter- backing record including sin- be more different in both style contests where the Kansas City with 1:15 left in overtime after body feels after having to play If Los Angeles beats New back in league history to win gle game passing yards (505), and substance. Chiefs and San Diego Chargers the Lakers blew a 14-point lead 40 minutes unfortunately with England on Sunday in Atlanta, five Super Bowls and the only career passing yards (2,576), The Patriots will be mak- failed to register a sack. in the fourth quarter. the overtime.” Sports Saturday, February 2, 2019 15

TOP HONOURS AND ACCOLADES

(CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) FIFA President Gianni Infan- tino presents the Asian Cup 2019 trophy to Qatar’s captain Hasan al Haydos; Qatar’s Almoez Ali, who was named as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, with his top goal-scorer award; Qatar’s Saad al Sheeb after being honoured as the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament; Man of the Match of Qatar kisses the trophy; Qatar’s coach Felix Sanchez with his medal at the Moham- med Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Friday. (REUTERS/AFP)

Qatar’s Asian Cup victory a glorious beginning of a new football era

DPA made it out of the group stage ABU DHABI at the last World Cup. is a differ- THE glittering gold confetti ent proposition and facing that heralded Qatar’s Asian Colombia, Paraguay and Ar- Cup win on Friday had hard- Copa up next gentina will give a much bet- ly fallen back to earth before ter indicator of just how much the next challenge was being Come June and the Qatar work remains to be done for discussed. team will be off to to this Qatar side. For most countries, win- play in the Copa America, “(Their performance was) ning a continental champion- invited as a guest, against not a surprise for me, we knew ship would spark days of cel- Colombia, Paraguay Qatar can have a tight de- ebrations and rewards aplenty and Argentina. fence and strength in attack,” for the gallant coach and heroes said beaten Japanese coach on the pitch. But most countries Hajime Moriyasu. “They are not Qatar and World Cup with a tournament record nine can move the ball and cre- 2022 hosts. goals will hog the headlines. ate chances, I think the head Coach Felix Sanchez and Sanchez has continually coach is building a great team his players will, no doubt, in- stressed the team rather than for the World Cup.” dulge themselves – they have, the individual with everyone Whether Sanchez gets the after all, more than earned it doing their job. chance to stay in the post that by becoming the ninth differ- Creative forward Akram long remains to be seen. ent winners of the Asian Cup Afif, 21, was involved in an as- Rumours have linked big- with a 3-1 triumph over Japan tonishing 12 of the team’s 19 name coaches to the job, and in Abu Dhabi. goals in the United Arab Emir- with the incentive of a home But then it will be back ates, including all three in the World Cup along with the abil- to work. final – scoring a late penalty ity to pay huge wages, Qatar “This is one step more to having set up the other two. face few restrictions in choos- continue developing the team, “We have been together for ing their boss. to play another tournament The victorious Qatar team with Qatar Football Association president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al Thani and other officials. seven years, I know Akram, That, however, was where in the summer, and be ready where he will pass, and he Sanchez was happy to draw for 2022, to be a competitive “We are working on (the) America in Brazil – we’re not aged 25 or under. being placed above quick fix- knows what to expect from the line about the future. team at the World Cup,” said target (of the) 2022 World expected to win that but just to Qatar’s rush to be competi- es. The decision to promote me,” Ali said. “We get on very “I’m only thinking about Sanchez. Cup,” said striker Almoez learn in football. tive following the World Cup Sanchez, a long-term youth well together.” today, it’s a great day for me, It is less than four years Ali, who added the individu- “The weakest teams are in award in 2010 was initially coach in the country, to the Qatar defeated Lebanon, the players, and the coun- to the next World Cup, and al honours of top scorer and Asia – in the Copa America, we counterproductive. Coaches senior team was also inspired. North Korea, Saudi Arabia, try,” he said. “There can be as hosts, Qatar do not need to most valuable player to his will learn more, we know the changed rapidly and there was The Spaniard has known Iraq, South Korea, the UAE and news, this person, this person qualify. This, however, is a dou- winners medal. teams there have a different little structure to the develop- and worked with the majority Japan to lift the trophy with a (linked to the job) – we’re ble-edged sword, with a lack of “We started now with the level. We will learn a lot there ment of players. of the squad for several years, tournament record plus-18 goal thinking about our work. 2022 competitive games a problem Asian Cup and managed to that will benefit us as a team.” Bit by bit that changed, many of them of since they difference. They were undeni- is in three years’ time. In foot- after they play as guests in the defeat Japan today. We’re pre- Ali is only 22 and one of aided by substantial invest- were children. ably the best team but, as Ali ball you don’t know what will Copa America this June. paring for it first with the Copa 14 players in Sanchez’s squad ment and the long-term goal Ali is one example and said, Asia is weak - only Japan happen in two weeks.” 16 Saturday, February 2, 2019 The Last Word DOHA ERUPTS IN JOY AFTER HISTORIC WIN

ATAR citizens and residents took Qto the Corniche Street on Friday even- ing to celebrate the momentous occasion of the country’s 3-1 victory in the Asian Cup final against the four-time champions and formidable Japa- nese team. People also gathered in front of the giant screen at Ka- tara to watch the final and the excitement reached a crescendo as the audience got increasingly reassured of Qatar’s victory. The audience kept cheering the Qatari players who did not disappoint their fans at all, scoring a great victory. (PHOTOGRAPHS BY JALAL PATHIYOOR)

EDUCATION CITY CELEBRATES QATAR’S HISTORIC WIN: One of the greatest achievements in Qatar’s sporting history was met with celebrations at Qatar Foundation (QF) on Friday night as fans gathered at Education City to watch the national football team winning the AFC Asian Cup for the first time. QF’s special screening of the tour- nament’s 2019 final – which saw Qatar beat Japan 3-1 in Abu Dhabi – was held at its Ceremonial Court, with members of the public joining the QF community to cheer the nation’s footballing heroes on to victory. (TNN)

DIPLOMATIC ENCOMIUMS Congratulations Qatar! You deserve Heartfelt congratulations it very much! This was an amazing to His Highness the and very emotional football week, Amir, the government first winning over the UAE in and brotherly people of semi-finals, where we felt sports Qatar on Qatar’s and politics were painfully magnificent victory in intertwined, and now being the the Asia Cup! Well Done Champions of Asia Games! Qatar and Mabrook yaa Qatar. is making history! ASPIRE PARK CELEBRATIONS: More than 10,000 fans including nationals, expatriates, families and children ~ HE Syed Ahsan Raza flocked to Aspire Park on Friday to mark one of the biggest sporting moments in Qatar’s history as the national ~ HE Ewa Polano, Ambassador of Shah, Ambassador of football team won the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. The audiences cheered the national team in front of a giant Sweden to Qatar Pakistan to Qatar screen that had been especially erected by Aspire Zone Foundation in Aspire Park. (TNN)

Foreign minister receives call ICG on Afghanistan thanks Qatar for peace efforts QNA diation in Conflict Resolution ing welcomed the good efforts tracting efforts. the group thanked the State from Pompeo DOHA HE Dr Mutlaq bin Majed al of Qatar and its mediation Delegations at the meeting He called for support- of Qatar for its invitation and Qahtani led Qatar’s delega- for a political solution to the welcomed the good efforts ing the efforts of Doha and readiness to host the next DEPUTY Prime Minister THE International Contact tion at the meeting. situation in Afghanistan, es- of Qatar and its mediation its strategic allies to achieve meeting of the ICG on Af- and Minister of Foreign Af- Group (ICG) on Afghanistan The meeting chaired by pecially the recent round of for a political solution to peace and stability in Afghan- ghanistan in Doha this year. fairs HE Sheikh Mohammed has thanked the State of Qa- Afghanistan in partnership talks between the US and the istan, stressing the need to On the sidelines of the ICG bin Abdulrahman al Thani tar for its efforts in building with Germany, discussed Afghan Taliban in Doha. the situation in cooperate in building the ca- on Afghanistan meeting, Dr on Friday received a phone peace in Afghanistan and de- ways to build the peace pro- Dr Qahtani stressed in his Afghanistan, especially the pacity of some parties to the Qahtani met with US Special call from US Secretary of cided to hold its next meeting cess in Afghanistan in terms speech that the talks of the recent round of talks conflict, build trust among Representative for Afghani- State Mike Pompeo. They in Doha in 2019. of the unity of the interna- US side with the Taliban were between the US and the them, prepare for the neces- stan Reconciliation Zalmay discussed bilateral relations This was stated in the final tional position towards the held in a constructive and Afghan Taliban in Doha sary conditions for negotia- Khalilzad, UN secretary-gen- and the means to enhance communique of the group’s situation in Afghanistan, and positive atmosphere reflect- tions, provide the necessary eral’s special representative them, in addition to issues meeting held in London on to undertake consultations ing the seriousness of both political incentives to create for Afghanistan Tadamichi of joint interest. They also January 30-31, 2019. across the group to help the sides to achieve progress in for all regional and interna- political conditions for suc- Yamamoto and director of the discussed the progress made The Minister of Foreign country restore stability, se- reconciliation and peace ef- tional parties to unite and cessful negotiations and unify department of Afghanistan in the peace process in Af- Affairs’ Special Envoy for curity and peace. forts in Afghanistan. coordinate peace efforts in the efforts to achieve that. and Pakistan at the British ghanistan. (QNA) Counter-terrorism and Me- Delegations at the meet- He pointed to the need Afghanistan and avoid dis- At the end of the meeting, Foreign Office Lesley Craig.