Qatar beat the UAE 4-0 and qualifies for the first time in the Asian Cup final

ABU DHABI (Reuters) – Qatar qualified for the first time in the Asian Cup final after beating the United Arab Emirates hosts 4-0 on Tuesday to set a date for Japan.

It was the second biggest result in the semi-finals of the tournament after Australia defeated Uzbekistan 6-0 in 2011.

Qatar, which has not passed the quarter-finals of the last nine attempts, has not conceded a goal in the current edition and has kept its own net in six games, a record.

Boalem Khoukhi scored early and Al Moez Ali scored his eighth goal of the tournament to advance Qatar 2-0 in the first period, then leader Hassan Al-Hadous and substitute Hamed Ismail two goals in the last ten minutes.

The UAE, backed by 39,000 spectators, dreamed of reaching the final for the second time, but could face penalties after fans have thrown projectiles in a tense atmosphere on the ground amid political tensions between the two countries. .

"I think the players knew how difficult it was to face the crowd, but I think they were very good in their emotions," said coach of Spain , Felix Sanchez.

"It was a difficult situation for the players and it is normal to celebrate in the semifinals and I think there are only a few people who did not behave well while the majority did well.

"It was a good match for us and I am very proud and very happy."

The UAE crowd remained silent in the 22nd minute when Juhi opened the scoring after receiving a pass from Akram Afif in the middle of the field and launched a quick counterattack to score a low ball that knocked out Khaled. Issa after the ball has escaped his hands.

Although Isa could have prevented the first goal, he could not have done much against the second in a quarter of an hour.

Al-Moez Ali doubled the lead with a superb outside shot to strengthen his lead for the scorers: the young striker celebrated the dance in front of the UAE supporters, who expressed their dissatisfaction with the way he celebrated launching projectiles.

Al-Moez Ali, who scored eight goals on nine shots on goal, set Iranian ex-star Ali Daei's record for the top scorer in a single edition, after Dae scored the same number on the day. the 1996 edition.

The UAE team has disappointed the fans with its bad reaction, which is limited to making a back pass on both sides to the penalty area.

Ali Mabkhout, who was looking for his tenth goal in two Asian Cups, revived UAE hopes with a powerful shot from goalkeeper Saad Al-Shaib in the 52nd minute.

United Arab Emirates captain Ismail Matar appeared to be active as a substitute and hit the ball in the 69th minute. Qatar goalkeeper Ahmed Khalil came back with a head.

The UAE's ambition to alter the outcome sank when Heidos added the third goal after being left alone with goalkeeper Issa. He shot his head superbly ten minutes before the end and the fans threw bottles into the stadium to express their anger.

Ismail Ahmed, the UAE defender, was sent off after being elbowed by Qatar's Salem Al-Hajri. The referee confirmed the assault after viewing the video.

Hamed Ismail ended Qatar's last minute standings after defeating goalkeeper Issa while he was alone in the biggest defeat in the UAE's Asian Cup since losing 5-0 to China in 1984.

"I apologize to the fans for this result," said Emirates coach Alberto Zaccheroni, whose contract ended with defeat. We tried to offer our best.

"We kept trying but we have to admit that the Qatar team was the best tonight."