Abu Dhabi: Hosts Qatar, failed to cope with two advantages in their match against Japan in the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup as they bid goodbye to the tournament.
The first advantage was they led the match twice, 1-0 and then 2-1 and in the second instance, they played against a reduced Japanese team but conceded two goals that earned the Blue Samurais a seat in the semi-final round.
It was a surprise how Qatari players performed against the favourites and took the lead twice, but once they led 2-1 and as Japan was reduced to ten men, the host nation relaxed and surrendered the fight believing that they had secured the result. But the Japanese had other plans and were rewarded for their tactical discipline and fighting spirit with a victory.
And while an enthusiastic crowd of thousands of local fans started to leave the stadium, the Qatar FA (QFA) announced that the future of their head coach, Frenchman Bruno Metsu would be decided soon.
Newspapers reports in Spain mentioned that QFA offered Josep Guardiola, the Bracelona coach, to take over the preparations of the Qatar team in the qualifications for the 2014 World Cup.
Guardiola's contract with the Spanish giants ends this summer. He has also spent years playing in Qatar.
The Uzbeks continued to display their high quality of football and their clinical finishing capabilities which has made them one of the top contenders to the title, despite reaching the semi-finals for the first time in their history after beating Jordan 2-1.
Uzbekistan scored twice within 3 minutes at the start of the second half to secure their berth in the last four stage. Jordan paid dearly for the absence of Odai Saifi, their best striker, and for the pressures which piled upon them after their brilliant performances in the preliminary round. They deserve a lot of praise and admiration.
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