This was a major upset. The Asian Cup is a tournament that is not all that well followed in this part of the world (unless your a Spurs fan waiting for Heung-Min Son to get knocked out), but it was actually very entertaining.
There was a number of upsets throughout the tournament, culminating in an unlikely run by Qatar all the way to the final. The 2022 World Cup hosts are not exactly a nation steeped in footballing tradition, and many felt they would be obliterated by the opposition at their home tournament in three years time.
However, judging by this showing, they will more than old their own. Not only did they reach the final to meet Japan, they won the whole thing. They would run out winners on a 3-1 scoreline, and the opening goal was an absolute belter.
Ali Almoez showed incredible composure to control a cross, hanging to tee the ball up for himself before firing home with an overhead kick. Take a look at this:
The control here is amazing, and the composure to tuck it away was fantastic.
Their second goal wasn't half bad either. This time it was a curler from outside the penalty area by Abdulaziz Hatim.
Their showing in this tournament suggests that Qatar will not be the whipping boys of the next World Cup, and they seem to be building nicely ahead of the tournament.
Their improvement has also come from homegrown players, and they have not gone down the route nationalising Brazilian imports like many expected they would. Now if only the tournament wasn't in fecking December...
