Emir receives Qatar’s 2019 Asian Cup champions

Doha: AFC Asian Cup champions Qatar team, who were received by HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani here on Saturday evening, got a heroes welcome at the Doha International Airport followed by the victory parade in an open bus.  

Qatar on Friday defeated four-time winners Japan in the continental competition final at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Sports City Stadium.

Smiling broadly, the Emir greeted the players with rose garlands and hugged each one.

Sheikh Tamim congratulated the players, coaching and administrative staff and wished them success in the upcoming tournaments.

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Personal Representative of the Emir, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee and a number of dignitaries, ministers, senior officials, families of the players, Olympic and youth players, and a large number of citizens, residents and members of the media also attended the reception.

There were thousands more at the Corniche where the team held a parade to Sheraton Park in the city’s high-rise West Bay, displaying the trophy to the fans.

After the felicitation got over, the team members including head coach Felix Sanchez were presented to the media.

“This is one step more towards being ready for 2022 and represent Qatar as a very competitive team at the World Cup,” said the Spaniard. “We made history and everyone should feel very proud on the achievement.

Qatar remained unbeaten in the tournament and had also beaten former champions Iraq, Saudi Arabia and South Korea enroute to the final.

“I want to thank my team-mates, coaching staff and QFA. I think everyone had confidence in us from the start. We didn’t disappoint them,” said captain Hassan Al Haydous.

But the biggest applause was reserved for tournament’s record highest-scorer Almoez Ali.

The 22-year-old Al Duhail forward scored nine goals to overtake the previous record (8) held by Iran’s Ali Daei.

“I didn’t expect to score nine as I was expecting three or four. As a striker, I would’ve been embarrassed if I didn’t score and I managed to score nine in seven games,” said Almoez.