Felix Sanchez declared himself as the “happiest coach” in the world after Qatar stormed into the semi-finals of the Asian Cup with a 1-0 win over continental giants and regular World Cuppers South Korea.
What’s significant about Al Annabi’s progress is that they are not only unbeaten in the prestigious tournament but are also yet to concede a single goal, which is a unique record in itself.
Ali Afif had declared on Thursday that the Asian Cup is coming to Qatar, and yesterday’s victory puts them just two wins away from what would be an unparalleled achievement in the annals of the country’s already-illustrious sporting history.
Qatar midfielder Afif was refreshingly bold with his comments, saying the team will “go back to Doha with the Cup.”
With blockading country UAE next in line, Qatar will not need any extra motivation to put up their best display in the tournament so far with the aim of making it to the title clash.
Be that as it may, but Qatar celebrated late into the night yesterday after their giant-killing act against the South Koreans.
Even the normally staid Sanchez was caught up in the swirl of emotions.
“We’ve achieved something special today, this is history for us,” said Spaniard Sanchez, under whom the players have gelled as a fighting-fit unit.
“We played a great game, the players made a huge effort and we achieved something great for our country. I’m the happiest coach in the world.”
Little has fazed Sanchez during Qatar’s historic march to the Asian Cup last four, but the revelation that his players visited a fast food restaurant during the tournament caused him some amusement yesterday.
Asked whether he was aware that defender Bassam al-Rawi and striker Almoez Ali — the top scorer in the United Arab Emirates tournament — went to a Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet after the team’s group stage victory over Saudi Arabia, Sanchez was lost for words.
“I had no idea,” he said after a long silence. “They celebrate... today they can go to Kentucky if they want for one hour. It’s also good they have some freedom, they’re very professional players.”
The smile that Sanchez could not quite prevent from forming before he answered makes it hard to tell if he knew about the escapade all along.
Qatar’s official Twitter account in English retweeted a picture taken of the players in the restaurant.
Either way, neither al-Rawi or Ali are likely to be in too much trouble given the team’s performances and their magnificent winning run. This is after all Qatar’s first win at this stage in three attempts.
“We’re taking the competition game by game. It’s the only way we can take it,” said Sanchez.
“We [told] the players before that we needed to compete with the best players in Asia. They’re showing they can be competitive in official competition.
“There are some big emotions today, but it’s no miracle.”
Qatar have another tournament lined up later in the year, when they will be severely tested by Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay as guests in the Copa America.
After that, the countdown to their home World Cup in 2022 will be well and truly on.
The immediate concern, however, is Tuesday’s semi-final with hosts UAE in Abu Dhabi.
The Qataris who have faced constant abuse from the crowds in the UAE sobbed tears of delight at the final whistle before stripping to the waist and dancing for joy.
South Korea’s shell-shocked players could scarcely believe the manner of their ambush and cut dejected figures as they trudged off the pitch at the end.
They had looked in total control, comfortably shackling Sudan-born striker Almoez Ali, who needs one more goal to equal Ali Daei’s record of eight in a single Asian Cup.
But the Koreans, who finished runners-up four years ago, lacked an end product even before the fatal breakdown that allowed Hatim to wriggle free and try his luck from distance.
“We didn’t create too many opportunities but we created more than them,” shrugged South Korea coach Paulo Bento.
“We hit the post, had the clearer chances. But we weren’t as productive as we normally are and it’s true that we made some easy mistakes.”
Both teams had played their last 16 matches on Tuesday, which perhaps contributed to a forgettable first half with just one shot on target — Akram Afif’s long-range effort after 32 minutes which South Korea keeper Kim safely gathered.
The Qataris, who started with five at the back, came out with more attacking intent in the second half but were almost immediately caught on the break with Hwang Ui-jo forcing a save out of Saad al-Sheeb.
The game was opening up with chances at both ends and Son, who had looked fatigued since joining the South Korean squad for their third group game, started to impose his influence.
The Tottenham Hotspur forward got a low drive on target in the 72nd minute which went straight to Saad and made a decoy run before Kim Jin-su curled the ball onto the outside of the post from a free kick three minutes later.
Just when it looked like the Koreans might be getting on top, though, the ball broke for Hatim in midfield and seconds later it was nestled in the bottom right-hand corner of the South Korean net.
Hwang Ui-jo had the ball in the back of the opposite net two minutes later but was ruled offside, a decision confirmed by the video assistant referee, and Qatar held on to secure a famous victory.
“We tried to dominate the game as we had in our previous matches but they were very well-organised,” South Korea’s Portuguese coach Paulo Bento said after suffering his first defeat in 12 matches in charge.
“We were eliminated because we weren’t efficient enough in converting our opportunities into goals.” -(with agency inputs)
Qatar players lift coach Felix Sanchez (also top) in celebration of their victory over South Korea in their AFC Asian Cup quarter-final in Abu Dhabi yesterday. (AFP)
