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Hosts Qatar have prepared for one of the most important tournaments in the nation's recent history with a string of friendly matches.
French manager Bruno Metsu has enjoyed mixed results but recently momentum as picked up, with his training methods reportedly having a positive effect and his side more tactically adaptable.
After winning the right to host the 2022 World Cup, a strong performance at the Asian Cup in front of their home crowd is jsut what Qatar need to further boost football's popularity and strength. Can they capitalize on a watershed year?
How They Qualified
Qualified as hosts.
Coach & Tactics
Bruno Metsu of course made a name for himself after leading unknown Senegal on a fairytale run at the 2002 World Cup and has been in charge of Qatar after taking over from Uruguayan boss Jorge Fossati during qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. That campaign ended disappointingly with Qatar failing to qualify by a long-shot but Metsu now has a change to make up for it by utilizing home advantage. It's perhaps a little unclear as to his tactical approach as he's largely experimented with different approaches in the build-up to the tournament.
Star Player
Uruguay-born Sebastian Soria has made a real name for himself with Qatar SC and is the attacking talisman of the national team. An excellent finisher and header of the ball, standing at 186cm tall expect him to be a real handful for defenders.
However, a number of people have begun to criticize Soria for his level of performances recently, with a distinct change in his style as he drops back into midfield in a more conservative role. This is the change for the 27 year-old to silence his critics.
Fans' Expectations
Expected at the very least to get out of a negotiable group that includes Kuwait, China and Uzbekistan, it appears the more optimistic fans - perhaps those captivated by the recent World Cup bid win - are even going as far to suggest that the semi finals are a realistic goal.
Goal.com Prediction
The quarter finals would be an excellent achievement given the lack of competitive matches in the build-up and a noticeably weak defence and inexperienced back-line. Much will depend on whether Soria rises to the occasion and perhaps more importantly, how other teams deal with his threat. If he's nullified, Qatar could struggle. Don't count out the effect of the home crowd though, who will be charged up for this tournament.
French manager Bruno Metsu has enjoyed mixed results but recently momentum as picked up, with his training methods reportedly having a positive effect and his side more tactically adaptable.
After winning the right to host the 2022 World Cup, a strong performance at the Asian Cup in front of their home crowd is jsut what Qatar need to further boost football's popularity and strength. Can they capitalize on a watershed year?
How They Qualified
Qualified as hosts.
Coach & Tactics
Bruno Metsu of course made a name for himself after leading unknown Senegal on a fairytale run at the 2002 World Cup and has been in charge of Qatar after taking over from Uruguayan boss Jorge Fossati during qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. That campaign ended disappointingly with Qatar failing to qualify by a long-shot but Metsu now has a change to make up for it by utilizing home advantage. It's perhaps a little unclear as to his tactical approach as he's largely experimented with different approaches in the build-up to the tournament.
Star Player
Uruguay-born Sebastian Soria has made a real name for himself with Qatar SC and is the attacking talisman of the national team. An excellent finisher and header of the ball, standing at 186cm tall expect him to be a real handful for defenders.However, a number of people have begun to criticize Soria for his level of performances recently, with a distinct change in his style as he drops back into midfield in a more conservative role. This is the change for the 27 year-old to silence his critics.
Fans' Expectations
Expected at the very least to get out of a negotiable group that includes Kuwait, China and Uzbekistan, it appears the more optimistic fans - perhaps those captivated by the recent World Cup bid win - are even going as far to suggest that the semi finals are a realistic goal.
Goal.com Prediction
The quarter finals would be an excellent achievement given the lack of competitive matches in the build-up and a noticeably weak defence and inexperienced back-line. Much will depend on whether Soria rises to the occasion and perhaps more importantly, how other teams deal with his threat. If he's nullified, Qatar could struggle. Don't count out the effect of the home crowd though, who will be charged up for this tournament.
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| WCQA | Qatar - South Korea | 08/06/12 9:45 PM IST |
| WCQA | Iran - Qatar | 12/06/12 5:30 AM IST |
| WCQA | Qatar - Uzbekistan | 16/10/12 5:30 AM IST |
| WCQA | Qatar - Lebanon | 14/11/12 5:30 AM IST |
| WCQA | South Korea - Qatar | 26/03/13 5:30 AM IST |
| WCQA | Qatar - Iran | 04/06/13 5:30 AM IST |
| WCQA | Uzbekistan - Qatar | 18/06/13 5:30 AM IST |
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Top Scorers
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Khalfan Al-Khalfan
Striker Qatar |
4 | 2 |
|
Sebastián Soria
Striker Qatar |
2 | 0 |
|
Mohamed Razaq
Striker Qatar |
2 | 0 |
|
Yousef Ahmad
Striker Qatar |
2 | 0 |
|
Mohammed Al Sayed Abdulmottalib
Striker Qatar |
1 | 0 |