Qatar secured the biggest soccer prize in its history on Friday, beating the tournament favorite Japan, 3-1, in the Asian Cup final in Abu Dhabi, an against-the-odds victory that prompts hope that the tiny Gulf nation will avoid humiliation at the World Cup it will host in three years. By winning the title, behind two spectacular first half goals and a late penalty, Qatar secured victory in a tournament in which the team overcame difficulties linked to longstanding political tensions in the region. Host United Arab Emirates is among a group of regional rivals that have broken diplomatic relations with Qatar and are leading a blockade that made it hard for Qatari fans, officials and even the team itself to get to the tournament. Qatar’s run to the final was unexpected. The national team is not considered among the region’s heavyweights and it has never qualified for the World Cup.

Source: New York Times February 01, 2019 16:18 UTC