An Asian Cup that began with stars from across Europe's top leagues has delivered an unexpected final. On Saturday, at the spectacular Lusail Stadium, host and defending champion Qatar will play Jordan, with neither team featuring players of wide renown. Premier League players like Son Heung-min (Tottenham) and Wataru Endo (Liverpool) have departed.
Winless and pointless at the World Cup, Qatar is now one game away from back-to-back Asian Cup titles. Almoez Ali struck in the 82nd-minute at Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday to seal a 3-2 win against Iran and settle a thrilling semifinal. The host and defending champion will now play Jordan in Saturday’s final at Lusail Stadium, where Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup for Argentina in 2022.
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In the World Cup, Qatar is just another team. In the Asian Cup, Qatar is a force to be reckoned with. Just over a year since it exited its own World Cup in the group stage and without a single point, Qatar is one win away from back-to-back Asian Cup finals and the chance to retain its trophy.
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