2019 Asian Cup Final: Japan vs Qatar (1-3)
Qatar's shock triumph ends Japan's Asian Cup reign.
The 2019 Asian Cup Final between Japan and Qatar, held on February 1, 2019, at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, was a landmark match that saw Qatar claim their first Asian Cup title with a stunning 3-1 victory over the four-time champions Japan. For Japan, it was a rare moment of defeat in a final, ending their hopes of a record-extending fifth title and marking the end of an era for a generation of players. The match is remembered for Qatar's clinical efficiency and Japan's uncharacteristic defensive lapses, as well as the controversial early goal that set the tone.
Quick Facts
- Competition
- 2019 AFC Asian Cup Final
- Date
- February 1, 2019
- Venue
- Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Result
- Qatar 3-1 Japan
- Japan goalscorer
- Takumi Minamino
- Qatar goalscorers
- Almoez Ali
- Abdulaziz Hatem
- and Akram Afif (penalty)
- Japan head coach
- Hajime Moriyasu
Lore & Background
Japan entered the 2019 final as the most successful team in Asian Cup history, having won the tournament four times (1992, 2000, 2004, 2011) and never losing a final. The Samurai Blue had cruised through the tournament with a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talents, conceding just two goals en route to the title match. Qatar, meanwhile, were the tournament's surprise package, having won all their matches without conceding a single goal, including a stunning 4-0 semifinal victory over hosts UAE. Their young squad, led by star striker Almoez Ali, played with a fearless intensity that unsettled even the most seasoned opponents. The final itself was a clash of styles: Japan's patient, possession-based approach against Qatar's high-pressing, counter-attacking game. The match turned decisively in the first half when Qatar scored twice in quick succession, with Almoez Ali's acrobatic volley and Abdulaziz Hatem's long-range strike leaving Japan shell-shocked. Japan pulled one back through Takumi Minamino early in the second half, but a controversial penalty awarded to Qatar after a VAR review effectively killed the comeback. The loss was a bitter pill for Japan, who had dominated Asian football for decades, but it also signaled the rise of a new power in the region.
Reader's Guide
The match began with Japan asserting possession, but Qatar struck first in the 12th minute. A long ball from the back found Almoez Ali, who chested down and volleyed past Shuichi Gonda with remarkable technique. Japan responded with pressure, but Qatar doubled their lead in the 27th minute when Abdulaziz Hatem unleashed a curling strike from outside the box that nestled into the top corner, leaving Gonda rooted. Minamino pulled one back in the 69th minute, slotting home from close range after a scramble in the box. However, Japan's hopes were dashed in the 83rd minute when a VAR review awarded Qatar a penalty for a handball by Maya Yoshida, which Akram Afif converted coolly. Qatar held on to secure a historic 3-1 victory.
Did You Know?
- Almoez Ali set a record for most goals in a single Asian Cup edition with nine goals in 2019.
- The match was played at Zayed Sports City Stadium, the same venue where Japan won their first Asian Cup in 1992.
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