Who: Jordan vs Qatar
what: AFC Asian Cup 2023 Final
when: Saturday, February 10, 2024, 6:00 PM (15:00 GMT)
where: Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar
After nearly a month of heated football with several surprises and upsets, the AFC Asian Cup is set to conclude with an Arab final, with hosts Qatar defending their title against giant killers Jordan. aim.
Qatar entered the tournament as the reigning champions, but due to their poor record against top teams in the lead up to the tournament, they were not considered full favorites to win the trophy.
But Tintin Marquez LopezThe team exceeded expectations with an all-round performance. Reached the finals for the second consecutive year. Qatar, who enjoyed the support of a partisan crowd, scored in every match heading into the final.
“I'm very proud to be part of this team, because a month ago no one expected us to reach the final,” Qatar captain Hassan Al-Haydos told reporters on Friday. “No one expected us to perform like this.”
“Thanks to the team's unity, we were able to reach this level, working together with the coaches, technical staff and Qatar Football Association.”
“Jordan intends to respond to criticism.''
While Qatar carry the weight of expectations, Jordan has nothing to lose in their first ever AFC Asian Cup final.
In an amazing package of tournaments, Jordan finished third in their group and advanced to the finals, where they suddenly stepped up their game and defeated powerhouses Iraq and South Korea.
It was a victory for Moroccan coach Hussein Ammuta, whose team was heavily criticized after ending 2023 without a win in seven games, including six defeats.
“This was a personal challenge, so I'm very happy with our accomplishments,” Ammuta said.
“If the team loses, the coach is blamed; if the team wins, they blame the team's morale. We prepare by keeping all aspects in mind: physically, mentally, tactically, psychologically.
“I hope that when the first whistle blows I will be ready and able to respond to criticism. 99 percent of the time I will not listen to criticism because I think it will not help anything. .”
Ahead of tomorrow's date with destiny, there is a positive mood throughout the 🇯🇴 Jordan camp! #Asia Cup Final | #Asian Cup 2023 | #JORvQAT pic.twitter.com/rL5DIFMejt
— #Asian Cup 2023 (@afcasiancup) February 9, 2024
Jordan's notable players
Musa Al Tamari
Al Tamari had three goals and one assist in another standout performance for Jordan. Al Tamari, the only player on the Jordanian national team to have traded in Europe with France's Montpellier SC, has a direct play and dribbling speed that makes him a threat to any defender.
Yazan Al Arab
Al-Arab was a very important presence in the heart of Jordan's defense, forming a solid centre-back partnership with Abdallah Nassib. With a powerful physique and standing at 1.86 meters (6 feet 3 inches) tall, Al Arab is a towering presence in either box.
Yazan Al Naimat
Al Naimat has a knack for finding space between defenders and often completes his runs. The 24-year-old scored a goal in the group match against South Korea, and he improved his game even further by scoring in the last 16 and semi-finals.
Preparations for the finals are complete 💪 #Asian Cup 2023 #affiliate pic.twitter.com/sDqfibChwc
— Mousa Al Tamari (@TamariMousa) February 9, 2024
Qatar's notable players
Akram Afif
Afif is in great form, scoring 5 goals and 3 assists. His speed, skill and vision wreaked havoc on opposing defenders throughout the tournament.
Hasan Alheidos
Al Haydos perfectly fulfilled the role of captain due to his technical ability, outstanding vision and strong leadership qualities. The 33-year-old is also a goal scorer, as was brilliantly shown against China in the group stage, and he also scored against Palestine and Uzbekistan.
Almoez Ali
Unlike in 2019, Alli has not scored a goal in this tournament, but there is no denying that he plays an important role in the team. The forward's work rate is second to none, and he is equally adept at leading an attack or dropping back and defending.
Akram Afif has scored or assisted 19 of his last 29 goals for Qatar. #Asian Cup 🇶🇦
⚽️6
🅰️ 13— Wael Jabir (@waeljabir) February 7, 2024
form guide
Jordan started the group stage by defeating Malaysia 4-0, then held South Korea to a 2-2 draw. Despite losing 1-0 to Bahrain, they managed to qualify for the next round, defeating Iraq 3-2 in a dramatic last-16 clash.
In the quarterfinals, Jordan defeated Tajikistan 1-0, and in the semifinals they achieved the biggest result by defeating three-time champions South Korea 2-0.
Qatar maintained a 100 percent win rate in the group stage, defeating Lebanon, Tajikistan and China. They then defeated Palestine 2-1 in the last 16, but had to work hard to win 3-2 on penalties against Uzbekistan in the quarter-finals.
In the semi-final against Iran, Qatar won 3-2.
Jordan: WWWLD
Qatar: WWWWW
Qatar 🇶🇦 advances to the final for the second time in history#Asian Cup 2023 #HayaAsia pic.twitter.com/icdFoh51VO
— AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 (@Qatar2023en) February 7, 2024
there are many goals
In this tournament, a whopping 128 goals were scored in 50 games. Of these, finalist Jordan tied with Iran and Japan for the most points (12 points). Qatar is tied for second place with South Korea with 11 points.
solid defense
Jordan has been very solid defensively this tournament, keeping four clean sheets in six games. Qatar, on the other hand, have kept three clean sheets, all of which came during the group stage.
Prize money
champion: 5 million dollars
runner-up: 3 million dollars
Match results
Jordan and Qatar have played each other 23 times in official matches and friendlies. The last time the two faced each other was in a friendly in 2018, where Jordan lost 2-0.
match: twenty three
Jordan won: 6
Qatar won: 12
draw: Five
team news
Qatar's projected starting lineup: Yazeed Abu Laila, Abdallah Nassib, Yazan Al Arab, Bara Mary, Ehsan Haddad, Nizar Al Rashdan, Nour Al Rawabdeh, Mohammad Abu Hashishi, Moussa Al Tamari, Mahmoud Al Mardi, Salem Yazan Al Naimat.
Jordan's projected starting lineup: Meshaal Barsham, Pedro Miguel, Mohamed Ward, Lucas Mendes, Almoez Ali, Tarek Salman, Jassem Gaber, Hassan Alhaydos, Akram Afif, Ali Assad, Ahmed Fatih.
thank you!
The two teams will play against each other in the next match #Asia Cup Final To carve their name forever!#Asian Cup 2023 | #HayaAsia | #JORvQAT pic.twitter.com/q3EBIKUpTy
— #Asian Cup 2023 (@afcasiancup) February 8, 2024