Qatar wins thrilling match against Iran, enters Asian Cup 2023 final
"I think today we answered those who said that the Qatar national team did not play well. Today everyone saw how beautiful the football team is," midfielder Ismail Muhammad excitedly shared after his team's dramatic 3-2 victory over Iran in the semi-finals of the 2023 Asian Cup on the evening of February 7 (Vietnam time).
Despite being led by Iran in the 3rd minute, Qatar players remained calm to lead 2-1 before the end of the first half thanks to goals from Jassem Gaber and star Akram Afif.
In the second half, Iran was awarded a penalty in the 51st minute and captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh easily equalized 2-2 from the penalty spot. However, striker Almoez Ali quickly sealed a dramatic 3-2 victory in the 82nd minute to help Qatar secure a ticket to the final against Jordan.
Qatar players celebrate after a dramatic victory over Iran in the 2023 Asian Cup semi-finals (Photo: Getty).
"The match was not easy at all. Everyone was excited about the way the match went. Iran scored first, then our team came back and won. I think this is the result of the players' high concentration and confidence, and they showed their character," Ismail Muhammad said.
The 33-year-old midfielder confidently added: "In the upcoming final, we will try harder and success is in God's hands."
Meanwhile, midfielder Tariq Salman said that the final match against Jordan is not a daunting challenge, because to reach the final match of the tournament, his team had to overcome many "mountains".
"There is nothing difficult. In 2019, we reached the final and beat Japan, and today we face Jordan. But if God listens, we will win the title," Tariq Salman affirmed.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Qatar coach Marquez Lopez also expressed: "I am very happy for everyone, the people of Qatar, the fans and the players. It was a difficult match but I think we played well. The players did not regret the effort they put in.
The players have implemented my philosophy and ideas on the pitch so they deserve my thanks… Now we have one last step to defend our title."
The 2023 Asian Cup final between Qatar and Jordan will take place at 10:00 p.m. on February 10 at Lusail Stadium (Doha, Qatar). Dan Tri will broadcast this match live.
Watch Live & Complete Asian Cup 2023 on FPT Play, at: https://fptplay.vn/
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