QOC
The Qatari national football arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday to complete their preparations for the crucial match against Saudi Arabia on Thursday.
The Qatari team began their campaign in the tournament with a 2-0 victory over Lebanon, then they overpowered North Korea 6-0 to secure their place in the second round.
Qatar's rapid-fire start was the key to their 6-0 defeat of DPR Korea in Al Ain on Sunday afternoon, said coach Felix Sanchez, after his side secured their place in the knockout rounds of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
Almoez Ali scored four in a comprehensive victory for the West Asians, who moved to the top of Group E ahead of their meeting with Saudi Arabia on Thursday, which will determine who claims pole position in the standings.
“We're very pleased with the performance the team displayed today," said Sanchez. “The fact of scoring early also gave us the confidence to keep going and the team never stopped trying to keep playing our game, even when it seemed the game was over, with the fourth goal especially." He added.