Qatar beats Japan 3-1 to win Asian Cup

Didn't stay up for the game but watching the highlights, Qatar scored 2 screamers worthy of winning the cup. Biggest upset since Iraq won in 2007.

they deserve to win, Japan just couldn't make a goal. Lots of chances for Japan to equalize but they were off last night. Japan had control of the ball more than the qataris and had lots of shoots but the players from qatar simply are magical. Good win.

Japan worked hard but they are low on quality. The first 2 goals from Qatar were beauties and worthy of winning any game.

Still, the World Cup shouldn’t be held in that country.

Agree with most of the above, but I think Japan played well and tore the Qataris apart in the second half. Sadly their repeated shots on goal were all off. They could just not finish cleanly. Some of the refereeing too was harsh against Japan. They stayed unfazed and fighting right to the end, and the Qataris were surely glad of that final whistle.

My other comment will be controversial but I feel that if a more relaxed Daniel Schmidt had been in goal, with quicker responses and a longer reach, the result might have been quite different.

From the BBC:

"It was 3-1 when Akram Afif converted from the spot after Southampton's Maya Yoshida had handled in the area. VAR confirmed that the Saints defender had intentionally handled, although TV replays suggested he was unfortunate to see the decision go against him."

Apparently Yoshida had his eyes shut when the ball brushed backwards off his arm, so in this sense it is harsh to say it was deliberate.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/47092164

Oh, and by the way, massive congratulations to Qatar who were excellent!

The result confounded the gulf in the FIFA rankings, with Qatar at 93 and Japan at 50.

I was extremely surprised Japan got so far with the players the coached selected for the tournament.  No disrespect to the players that were in the tournament, but leaving out Kagawa and a few other extremely experienced players playing overseas was ridiculous.  Although he has had not had a lot of actual playing time, did the coach really think about who Kagawa shares the same position with on his team. Reus, his teammate is a candidate to win the Ballon d'Or.  Top soccer player in the world, often won my Ronaldo or Messi.  I think it's obvious why Kagawa would not get much playing time unless Reus got injured, which he hasn't.  Anyway, the rankings obviously were also a part of the team before the new coach decided to use all the new young players.  Obviously, I am biased toward Kagawa.  I hope the coach realizes his mistake and brings Kagawa back to the National team soon.  Go Kagawa! on his new team he just transferred too.  I am sure he will get the game time, now.

@nandakandamanda

I thought the penalty against Yoshida was a bit harsh too, but it was in the ‘seen them given’ category. It shows that even with VAR, there is still room for discretion, particularly with handballs.

BTW. Re: "The result confounded the gulf in the FIFA rankings, with Qatar at 93 and Japan at 50".

Still cannot understand what this sentence actually means. Is 'confounded' a misprint for 'confirmed' perhaps?

Great work Qatar - first goal was premium, then managed the match. As Nanda said, Japan ramped up in the second half, but Qatar managed risks well. And yes, long faces will abound....

Re 'confounded' above. By Jove, I think I've got it, although it is not a usage where I am from. In this sense, if no-one else is confounded by it, it has to mean 'went against'!