Qatar foiled Japan’s bid for a record-extending fifth Asian Cup title on Friday, winning the tournament for the first time in a 3-1 upset.
Golden Boot winner and tournament MVP Almoez Ali scored an early opener before Abdelaziz Hatim added a second as Felix Sanchez’s side stunned Japan by taking a two-goal lead into halftime.
Takumi Minamino pulled a goal back for Japan after the break, but Akram Hassan Afif sealed the victory from the spot seven minutes from time after Japan captain Maya Yoshida was penalized for a handball.