In the final match of the 2023 Asian Cup, the Qatar team won 3-1 against Jordan to win the championship. Thus, the representative of West Asia became the 5th team in history to successfully defend the Asian Cup championship after Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Japan.
Qatar successfully defended the 2023 Asian Cup championship (Photo: Reuters).
Speaking after the match, coach Marquez Lopez congratulated his players. However, he also admitted that his team did not win the 2023 Asian Cup championship in a spectacular way.
The Spanish coach said: "Although there was not much time to prepare for the 2023 Asian Cup, the Qatari players followed well and understood the tactics I proposed. The students played very well but I think they can still be better.
To win the championship, my students have made continuous efforts and shown solidarity throughout the tournament with a dense competition schedule. I am very happy to be with the team to win the highest title.
The whole team won the 2023 Asian Cup after a very difficult match. Qatar may not have won the championship beautifully, but the important thing is to win. Only then will we be remembered. I congratulate Akram Afif. He deserved to win the individual award in this year's tournament."
Coach Marquez Lopez in the arms of his players after winning the 2023 Asian Cup (Photo: Getty).
Qatar dominated the individual awards at the 2023 Asian Cup. Midfielder Akram Afif won the double title of Top Scorer (8 goals) and Best Player. Goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham received the Best Goalkeeper award. Meanwhile, captain Hassan Al Haidos received the Fair-play award.
On the other side of the front line, Jordan coach Hussein Ammouta said: "We were not focused in the first half and made mistakes. We had chances to score more goals but failed to take advantage. Not to mention the two penalties in the second half also took place at sensitive times.
But I still want to congratulate the players. They played with great confidence in this tournament. They have a bright future ahead of them. I think Jordan is fully capable of winning the Asian Cup in the future."
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