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ABU DHABI –
Qatar will remain passionate about the 2019 Asian Cup until its last match against Japan today at 4 pm (Jordan) in Abu Dhabi, not only because it is looking for its first trophy in front of the quad champion, but also graduates of the Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence in Doha. They have a different point of view: after registering in the tournament with non-candidates, even with the recognition of their coach Sanchez, they enter the first final of their history with six wins, clean nets, the best scorers and passers-by …
Despite great countries, his final opponent will have a different weight from the technical, tactical, technical and historical standpoint of his former rivals: Lebanon, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.
In nine games, Japan reached the final for the fifth time after its heyday in 1992, 2000, 2004 and 2011 and, like Qatar, it has won six victories.
Observers of Japan's progress spoke slowly like diesel engines and responded to their expectations. After their poor performance, where they had not progressed comfortably in their first five games, they played a big game against Iran, a strong contender for the title and an exhilarating 3-0 draw.
The "Blue Samurai", most of whom are professional in Europe, show great self-confidence. "By winning Iran, we have won the legitimacy of the title," said midfielder Ganki Haraguchi. It was easier than defensive opponents. This allowed us to focus on defense and keep our attack alert throughout the match. "
Qatar clearly has its place in the final, but Japan has scored the last 16 games of the AFC Asian Cup since 2011. It is noteworthy that Qatar scored 16 goals against 11 for Japan , with his young striker Muaz Ali who scored eight goals, A copy, registered under the Iranian name Ali Daei in 1996.
"I'm really happy with the goal," said Moez, who scored his eighth goal in the UAE's 4-0 semi-final win. It was a nice shot, but that does not mean much to me, as our goals are more ambitious than scoring a nice goal. "
Tips for "Annabi" in Xavi
The former Spanish world champion, Chavi, provides important advice to the Qatar team, who will compete in the 2018 Asian Cup final against Japan in Abu Dhabi, announced his compatriot Felix Sanchez on the eve of the first final in his history.
"We have good relations with him, he is involved, we discuss during and before this tournament," said Sanchez. His opinion is important to us and always positive. Enjoy the championship with us ».
Before the tournament, Xavi was watching a TV show about Qatar, Al-Qas, the Qatar and Japan final, and Qatar crowned the title. Sanchez commented: "Let's wait if his expectations are correct".
"It's the most important match in the history of Qatar and if we win tomorrow – today – it will be the greatest achievement of our history in football," Sanchez said. This confirms the health of our work and we are proud of whatever the result. We have been working with the team for a year and a half, we trust them and they have shown good results in the municipalities (they beat Switzerland). We came here hoping for competition and not a surprise.
"Players are happy to do their job, it is easy to deal with them and we all work for the same purpose," Sanchez said. It's good to be a family. "
"This is the most important game in Qatari football history, we hope to show the same level as in the tournament, everyone is excited, but the most important is the calm, the patience and the application of instructions from the coach who helped us with a lot of things. "
Moriasso .. Trust is important
"Our players are reading the game better and forming a unit," said Japan coach Hajemi Moriasso, who is trying to lead his country to a fifth title. We faced different opponents, sometimes we took possession of the ball and sometimes we went back in defense and played with perseverance.
"Individual titles do not interest me," he said.
"Their team is strong, we respect the opponent, we analyze it and we put the best on the field, we are the last team and I want the players to trust each other."
Expected celebrations
To lighten the pressure on the players, the Qatar leadership endowed the violin with a musical instrument and introduced it to Maaz, 22, as an expression of the attacker's celebration after his recording with Emeryk Obamyang (Gabon). Doha has had great celebrations and has won six matches to date, the 32 matches played in nine rounds.
Qatar, which has not passed the quarterfinals in (2000 and 2011), has less rest than Japan, but will find all its players after the suspension of defender Bassam Al-Rawi and midfielder Abdul Aziz Hatem Mesgli of victory against Iraq in the quarterfinals and South Korea.
"I'm not really surprised at what we have achieved because we have been playing together for about seven years, players and coaches," said Qatar defender Tarek Salman. In 2014, we won the AFC U-19 Championship and in 2018 in China, we finished third in the AFC U-23 Championship. What we achieve here is the result of progressive work. "
But Abdelkrim Hassan, best Asian player in 2018, underlines the great influence of Sanchez and his team: "the technical staff will study well the adversary to identify strengths and weaknesses."
In direct clashes, Qatar triumphed 3-0 in 1988, then drew 1-1 in 2000 and 2007, but Japan reversed twice and won 3-2 in quarter-finals. final of 2011 before being crowned.
Uzbekistan, Ravshan Irmatov, who will be the first referee to play two final matches in the history of the Asian Cup, has already led the 2011 finals between Japan and Australia .
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