Qatar won their first ever Asian Cup after defeating Japan 3-1 in the final at Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The Gulf side, making a first appearance in the final, sealed the title through goals from Almoez Ali, Abdulaziz Hatem and Akram Afif. Takumi Minamino pulled back with a goal for Japan, but not enough to deny Qatar from winning.
Qatar took the lead with a spectacular bicycle kick by Almoez Ali in the 12th minute. The goal is his ninth in the tournament, took him past Iranian Ali Daei's 1996 tally. Then, Abdulaziz Hatem doubled the lead for Qatar with a long-distance strike in the 27th minute.
Japan got back into the game in the 69th minute after Takumi Minamino beat Saad Al Sheeb. It is the first goal Qatar had conceded in the tournament.
However with eight minutes remaining, Qatar sealed the victory. Akram Afif converted a penalty after a handball by Japan captain Maya Yoshida.
Qatar have shown a huge improvement at this tournament. They look set to compete against the best in the world at the World Cup 2022. But for now, the new Asian Champions will focus on the Copa America 2019.
