Japan vs Qatar: It's a Battle for History in the AFC Asian Cup!

Japan vs Qatar

Japan, four-time continental champions and the most successful nation in the tournament, play first-time finalists Qatar in what is expected to be an entertaining conclusion to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

Both teams deserve to be in the final, and while Qatar were deemed as mere pretenders rather than contenders before the competition, they have more than proven that they are the real deal with their attractive and crowd-pleasing football.

Of course, the Samurai Blue are the favourites. After all, they have been to this stage and are even regular fixtures in the World Cup. However, they know very well not to underestimate a team that has been spectacular on both ends of the pitch.

Talking Points

Japan peaking at the right time

There were plenty of concerns about Japan throughout the competition. Put simply, they were just unconvincing in their five games in the build-up to the semi-finals and seemed like they would collapse anytime.

Before their semis match against Iran, they won all their games by a one-goal margin. In fact, they have three 1-0 results which didn’t help in establishing their case as legitimate contenders.

However, they erased all doubts and proved their title credentials with a dominant display over a highly favoured Iran squad.

Team Melli came in as the tournament favourites, so the odds were naturally stacked against Japan in their match-up. Nonetheless, the Samurai Blue answered the critics with three second-half goals that secured their ticket to the finals.

One could say that the lapse in concentration doomed Iran, but it’s hard to criticise the consistency Japan showed against a far stronger offensive football team.

Bundesliga standouts Yuya Osako (Werder Bremen) and Genki Haraguchi (Hannover 96) were both pivotal in Japan’s win in the semis, and they are expected to carry the offensive load once again as they face another high-scoring team in the form of Qatar.

Qatar more than ready to make history

The Maroons are playing in their first Asian Cup final, but Japan couldn’t write off their inexperienced opponents just because of that. Besides, this is the same Qatar team that beat the South Koreans in the quarter-finals before surviving a hostile environment against hosts UAE.

Qatar players are happy to reach the finals of AFC Asian Cup — Qatar manager Felix Sanchez celebrates with his players during the AFC Asian Cup semifinal match between United Arab Emirates and Qatar

Qatar have been one of (if not the best) teams in the competition. They are fun to watch and have provided fans with plenty of AFC Asian Cup 2019 highlights with their high-octane style of play.

They have already scored a tournament-high 16 goals, and as if that’s not scary enough, they are also yet to concede a goal.

Qatar manager Felix Sanchez has built a team that is a complete package, and Japan undoubtedly face a difficult task slowing down the young team—11 of the Qatar players are either 22 years old or younger.

The team also has some of the brightest young talents in Almoez Ali, Bassam Al-Rawi and Akram Afif.

Ali has accounted for eight of Qatar’s goals in the competition while Al-Rawi has made two. Meanwhile, Afif has been sensational for the team with his eight assists—four of which were delivered to Ali.

It remains to be seen how Qatar will handle the pressure of being in the final, but there’s no doubt they have the talent and tools to contend for the silverware.

History

Since the turn of the century, Qatar haven’t beaten Japan in a competitive match.

In the five games they have played against each other since 2000, Japan won two times and played out a draw in the other three.

The two teams last met in the 2011 instalment of this competition, with Japan coming out as 3-2 winners in their quarter-final match.

As mentioned, Japan have won the Asian Cup four times before, and another title will allow them to extend their record tally to five. Saudi Arabia and Iran are the closest with three championships each.

Qatar, on the other hand, have never been to the final or last four of the quadrennial affair before this year. Their best result, perhaps, was also that last eight appearance against the Japanese some eight years ago.

Betting Tip

	Japan vs Qatar	First Half 1X2 Qatar @ 4.40
	February 01, 22:00 (GMT+8)

Japan have the advantage … well, at least according to the AFC Asian Cup 2019 odds at SBOBET.

The Samurai Blue are deeper and have more experience, so it goes without saying that they are expected to win it all for a new record.

Nevertheless, I think Japan are up for a tough time, especially in the first half. I see them switching gears in the second half as they did against Iran, though I doubt it will be as one-sided as that one considering Qatar’s recent performances.

I fancy Qatar scoring first and ending the first half in front though, as I expect them to be more aggressive right off the bat to immediately gain the advantage.