Asian Cup: Qatar beat Japan 3-1 to lift trophy

2022 FIFA World Cup host, Qatar has won the 2019 Asian Cup after a 3-1 win against Japan on Friday.

Qatari striker Almoez Ali broke the record of goals scored by a player at a single Asian Cup when he notched his ninth with a brilliant overhead kick.

Abdulaziz Hatem made it 2-0 with a 20-yard curled shot before Japan’s Takumi Minamino fired in from inside the Qatari goal post to make it 2-1.

However, it wasn’t long before It became 3-1 when Akram Afif converted from the spot after Southampton’s Maya Yoshida had handled the ball in the Japanese penalty area.

VAR confirmed that the Saints defender had intentionally handled the ball in the penalty box, although TV replays suggested he was unfortunate to see the decision go against him.

Afif’s penalty meant he scored one goal and provided 10 assists, including two in the final, during Qatar’s seven games at the competition in the United Arab Emirates.

Coach Felix Sanchez Bas’ side had gone 10 hours and eight minutes without conceding a single goal at this year’s competition prior to Minamino’s strike.

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