Qatar coach praises team’s spirit and preparation after penalty shoot-out win over Uzbekistan

Qatar, the defending champions of the AFC Asian Cup, advanced to the last four of the 2023 edition after a thrilling 3-2 win on penalties over Uzbekistan in Al Khor on Saturday. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with both goals coming in the second half.

Qatar’s head coach Marquez Lopez praised his team’s performance and said they were focused on the next match against Iran, who beat Japan 2-1 in another quarter-final. He said they studied Uzbekistan well and knew how to neutralize their threats, especially their two dangerous attackers.

Barsham, who was named the man of the match, said they were happy to reach the semi-finals, but their goal was to defend the title. He said they were like a family and the atmosphere in the team was positive.

Qatar, who won the Asian Cup for the first time in 2019, are aiming to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since Japan in 2000 and 2004. They will face Iran, who have won the tournament three times, on Wednesday in Doha.

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Denis Hardin

American writer and avid traveler with an insatiable passion for soccer. Hailing from the heartland of the USA, Dennis brings a global perspective to his writings on Asian football. His articles are a fusion of cultural insights and sporting analysis, providing readers with a unique blend of perspectives. Whether he's exploring the bustling football scenes in Tokyo or sharing anecdotes from his time in Mumbai, Dennis's articles are a captivating journey through the diverse world of Asian football.

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