Asian Cup 2019 (Preview)

The 18th AFC Asian Cup gets underway on the 5th January in Abu Dhabi, bringing to close an historic four-year cycle for the confederation. The new qualifying format was proven to be a unanimous success, with great strides being achieved at all levels of the international game, most pertinently highlighted by AFC’s record-breaking effort over the summer at the World Cup. The expansion of the continental tournament to 24 teams has its drawbacks, yet we’re still likely to see the most competitive finals competition to date.

We’re regularly reminded of the ills and deficiencies of Asian football, but the revamped qualification phase that came into place over the last four years has been largely an unheralded success. Developing nations were scheduled with proper competitive football to last the duration of the cycle, opposed to small doses of quick fire shootout competition. Instead of grouping minnows together, the two-round group stage split allowed for nations to compete with the elite, whilst offering more realistic preparation to follow.

While some may have expressed concerns over what impact this elongated process would have had on the top tier of Asian football, the World Cup in Russia proved testament that the quality has only seen an improvement over the cycle. Given where we were in 2014, the strides made towards 2018, and looking forward to an Asia hosted World Cup in 2022, the qualification revamp proved more than beneficial.

Heading into January’s Asian Cup should, in theory be considered the closing ceremony of the cycle, yet we’ll likely see a number of sides in transition, some only at the start of their progress towards the next World Cup challenge. The likes of Japan, Australia and South Korea have all appointed new coaches since their showing over the summer, while Uzbekistan, Qatar and Iraq have all expressed their long-term ambitions over an advanced run at the Asian Cup, after poor qualification showings.

Given the way the Asian calendar falls, the Asian Cup is slowly being pushed off the agenda. The Asian Cup is being treated by some as the starting point of World Cup preparation rather than the pinnacle of continental football. The AFC haven’t necessarily helped with this; marketing of the event has been slow on the uptake and the timing regularly draws criticisms. In such a vast and varied continent however, the balance is always going to be difficult to find.

With it comes change; not only a new ball (Molten?) or a new trophy (I know...), but an increase number of participants, from 16 to 24. While the technical quality has increased over the last the last four years, the gap between the elite and the rest continues to widen, which could render many group stage matches irrelevant. As has been seen at regular U20 World Cups and at Euro 2016, an expansion to 24 also opens the back door to failure via the third-place lottery, which is neither clear enough to be useful to spectators or makes for an even comparison.

A less than competitive opening, which alludes to less shocks than normal, has already seen the likes of South Korea willingly sacrifice the inclusion of star striker Son Heung-min, while others look to rest injured or tired options until after the first phase. Already placed in a difficult window for European domestic leagues, the extra fixture pileup, can’t have eased the friction between clubs and countries.

We’ll also have VAR (from the quarter-finals onwards) to tackle, a system that despite a reportedly solid World Cup appearance (which I personally question), has been hit by controversy after controversy in Asian domestic football. Ask any Australian, Chinese or Saudi domestic football fan whether they’re looking forward to seeing it being introduced in the UAE, and I’d guess the response wouldn’t be so warm. The prospect of an entertaining, yet hot tempered matchup, akin to that of Iran v Iraq in 2015, may be slightly tarnished with such an introduction.

Links to Previews

Group A - UAE (Hosts), Thailand, India & Bahrain

Group B - Australia, Syria, Palestine & Jordan

Group C - South Korea, China, Philippines & Kyrgyzstan

Group D - Iran, Iraq, Vietnam & Yemen

Group E - Saudi Arabia, Qatar, North Korea & Lebanon

Group F - Japan, Uzbekistan, Oman & Turkmenistan

Bringing it back round to the football, the best team over the last four years Iran start as sizeable favourites to win their first continental prize since the 1970s. Their showing in Russia was arguably their nation’s greatest footballing performance on the world stage, with an array of talent at their disposal and Carlos Queiroz in the dugout, they look well placed to live up to the expectations.

The usual candidates are their greatest opposition. On the back of making it to the World Cup knockout stages, a reinvigorated and fresh-looking Japan under new coach Hajme Moriyasu look to have the raw enthusiasm to blaze through the tournament, while Australia, despite now being under Graham Arnold can call upon a similar personnel selection that sealed the title four years ago.

South Korea come into it in the greatest form, having tested themselves against the very best in Asia on foreign soil. Another new coach Paulo Bento hasn’t tinkered as much as others and has the luxury of relying on the best player in Asia within his ranks, and arguably the only centre forward in consistent form amongst the big four.

On the fringes, the emergence of Team-2022 for Qatar, makes Felix Sanchez’s young guns a team everyone wants to see tested at competitive level, while eternal bridesmaids Uzbekistan, under Hector Cuper also provide an appetising side show in transition. Given the expansion, the likes of Yemen, Kyrgyzstan and Philippines make their tournament debuts, while Lebanon and Turkmenistan qualify only for their second appearances.

Ahead of the tournament, I’ve profiled each competing nation in some detail, to establish what this competition means to them, both in their footballing development sense and in their individual coach’s ideology, and which players we could be singing the praises of come the grand final in February. Hopefully you’ll find them enjoyable and informative on the run up to the tournament.

With no further ado, utilising the official team bus slogans;

“One Team, One Nation” (Syria), “One Heartbeat” (Iran), with a “Never Say Never” (Bahrain) attitude. Will “Respect All”, but “Fear None” (Japan) and “Never Give Up” (Yemen), to prove their “Time is Now” (UAE).

This is where “We Will Triumph” (Palestine). “Heroes Will Rise” (Australia), upon “The Hope Of A Nation” (India). “Together As One” (Thailand), “Fighting For The Same Dream” (China), “One Dream” (Oman), “To Dream The Impossible” (Philippines), where “Lions Always Prevail” (Iraq).

All roads lead to Abu Dhabi, enjoy!

Asian Cup 2019: Lebanon (Preview)

Lebanon head to their debut Asian Cup on foreign soil in red hot form, boasting one of the longest unbeaten streaks in world football over the last two years, seeing them rise to within the top 10 of Asia. While expectations are noticeably suppressed (for good reason) on the leadup to January, the Cedars remain a team that have found a new lease of life since the appointment of their unknown Montenegrin manager and will look to surprise one or two more in the UAE.

Lebanese football has regularly been seen as an untapped resource, that Asia has rarely seen blossom. Club football remains modest, continuing to fall way behind their neighbours, in terms of both resources and footballing prestige. The rise of the national team in the last four years could look to turn things around for the country though, heading into their first Asian Cup appearance for nearly 20 years with more than a sense of optimism.

Their story of qualification was that of slow growth. Starting in a World Cup preliminary group that featured South Korea, immediate progression was written off early, but the tussle with Kuwait for second became an interesting subplot of the entire group phase. Regrettably, a 1-0 defeat at home, followed by a goalless draw in Kuwait, left themselves adrift of their peers. While Kuwait’s resulting ban from international football, saw Lebanon eventually finish ahead, the fact they couldn’t see a reversal in their results prior left them cut adrift of making it through as a lucky loser.

The early qualification stages were used as a building block however, in hope of achieving their more realistic aim of qualifying for the Asian Cup. Their progress in Round 3 clearly demonstrated how far they’d come in such a short space of time; cruising to four wins from five, with their only dropped points coming in an eventful 2-2 draw in Pyongyang to North Korea; the campaign was an unequivocal success. Far from mere qualification, Lebanon have pretty much remained unbeaten for the last two years.

Their unbeaten run, that stretched between March 2016 through to October this year, saw them extend their streak to 13 matches, only matched by former World Cup champions Spain. Previously a national team that had for too long lacked an end product on the competitive stage, was now a side reborn under new leadership.

That leadership, headed by Miodrag Radulovic has engulfed the country and its wider diaspora, who look to head to the Emirates in their numbers to support their nation. A relatively underwhelming appointment back in 2015, taking over the role from legendary Italian footballer Guiseppe Giannini, Radulovic proved to be the perfect fit for Lebanon, recruiting several new faces from scouring Europe, whilst bringing a new attacking philosophy to the team that provided dividends in later qualification.

The side has regularly been limited by the fact the core of the squad ply their trade at home in Lebanon. The recruitment of talent from across Europe has both improved the quality but also the range of their skill base. German born, but based in the lower leagues of England, Omar Bugiel has epitomised the rise of Lebanon under Radulovic. A modest player domestically, but a player that brings a goal scoring outlet that the national team has long desired.

Taking any pressure off their leading light Hassan Maatouk was an essential task Radulovic had to deal with. Maatouk has been an ever present since the turn of the decade, when Lebanon hit their lowest mark in the world rankings, to continue to lead his side to this day, to their highest position, comfortably within the world’s top 100. While their attacking fulcrum has recently returned home, his wealth of experience and notch above ability that he demonstrated regularly whilst playing in the Emirates, remains the catalyst in which the side builds attacking play on.

In the last few years, the emergence of younger heirs has been slow to progress. But in the aforementioned Bugiel, and Greek based Hilal El-Helwe, who scored three over the course of qualification, Lebanon have enough tools to frighten any team on the break. With a nucleus of the well experienced Joan Oumari to marshal the defence, and the talent of new Danish born recruit Bassel Jradi in midfield, the squad look well positioned to challenge to better their previous best at an Asian Cup and navigate past the group stage.

Enabling such an attacking game at the highest level remains a tricky proposition however. The last few months have not only seen Lebanon lose their world leading unbeaten streak but lose twice; to Kuwait (fresh after their ban was lifted) and heavily to reigning champions Australia. Without a win in their last four, a retreat in tactics has been noticeable (fielding a back five against the Socceroos), alluding to a more cautious approach upon their kick off with a deadly Qatari attack to come in January.

Lebanon have remained an enigma of Asian football for years, and that will persist going into their Asian Cup campaign. Illustrating fine attacking football in qualification is one thing but showcasing the same sort of invention at the elite table may be another feat entirely. The emergence of Jradi, Bugiel and El-Helwe promises much, but without the freedom and willingness to trust their ability to contest, a cautious campaign is likely to win out. 

With a similarly tough ask facing them in game week two against Saudi Arabia, a last-minute shootout with North Korea could ultimately decide their progress. A flash back to last October, in their 5-0 home win in qualification against the same opponents, a repeat performance would be something memorable to witness at the Asian Cup.

Key Men

Head Coach - Miodrag Radulovic (MON)

The key man behind the rise of Lebanese football, since his appointment in 2015, becoming the first Montenegrin coach in history to qualify a national team for a major tournament. Well liked in the country, for bringing through talent to match the local feel of the squad, can pull on a varied coaching career that included a spell with Uzbek giants Pakhtakor.

Star Player - Hassan Maatouk

Legendary winger or lone front man who has captivated Asian football for years with his immense talent and impressive work rate. A regular goalscorer for Al-Fujairah in the UAE, until moving home with Nejmeh last summer. Is set to become the record appearance holder and goalscorer for the Cedars in the coming years.

Cult Hero - Joan Oumari

Outspoken Berlin born centre back, who only returned to the national team, after greater guarantees of minutes under Radulovic. Has played his entire career outside of Lebanon, much of it taking place in Europe, however moved to play alongside Fernando Torres at Sagan Tosu earlier this year.

Young Prospect - Hilal El-Helwe

Winger, who has the capacity to play down the middle, El-Helwe offers creative movement and a deft finish. The 24-year-old, has been integral to the successes made under the Radulovic, utilising his recent form to make the move out of the lower leagues in Germany to Apollon Smyrnis in the Greek Super League.

Asian Cup 2019: North Korea (Preview)

With the days of mystery and state secrecy slowly drawing to a close, North Korea head to the Emirates, as well known as they’ve ever been. With players seeking outposts in Europe, domestic teams succeeding in AFC competition, not to mention a greater dialogue politically with its neighbours, North Korea is starting to bring itself into the Asian football consciousness. While the spotlight has been lit, a change of management on the run up to the tournament is likely to see them continue to reinforce some long-held stereotypes.

Throughout the last cycle, North Korean football emerged from underneath a rock. A competitive schedule coupled with technological advances have allowed outsiders to watch more games than has ever been possible before. Opening the onlooking world to the sight of uniform attendance at the Kim Il-Sung Stadium Pyongyang, supplemented with the equally orchestrated travelling (or purposely shipped in) away support, most striking in Qatar for their away match with Yemen to start qualification.

It gave us the chance to truly assess the football being developed in the country, long eulogised as defensive, workmanlike and devoid of artistic attacking play, recently borne out of their infamous World Cup appearance in 2010. Instead, we saw balance, a team that could compete at both ends of the pitch, at home and away. A modern side, with players capable of making the leap outside of the national league.

The emergence during qualification of national team captain Jong Il Gwan was a revelation. The wide forward, has been a breath of fresh air, who took on individual responsibility and thrived off it. His move last summer to Luzern in Switzerland spurred a generation of North Korean players on to widen their prospects. The current squad now consists of players playing their football in Austria, Italy, Japan and Cambodia, and while the bulk of the team remains home based, the style of football has developed considerably.

Employing a foreign coach had much to do with this. The appointment of Norwegian coach Jorn Andersen, the first foreigner in charge of North Korea since the 1990s, brought with it an adventurous shift in approach that looked to dictate attacking play. Results including a 2-2 draw with Lebanon, back to back 4-1 wins against Malaysia, and a 1-1 draw in Hong Kong, were matches that saw Korea set up around their new-found strength, through an unassuming attack that’s still bubbling under the radar.

To supplement Jong Il Gwan’s initiative from outside, Pak Kwang Ryong, who’s developed a substantial CV over his career in central Europe, is a focal point to play off. The goals of Kim Yu Song, scoring six in the final qualification stage, has been another example of the array of talent North Korea can offer in attacking areas.

Then there’s the prospect of 20-year-old Han Kwang Song, the first North Korean player to play, and then score in Italy’s Serie A. Han alludes to a greater talent pool yet to be unearthed going into a new World Cup cycle, making this January’s Asian Cup, ever more important to signal-post development in the country’s game.

A wounding blow came upon qualification however, as Andersen ended his tenure with North Korea. Outside funding is often limited, given the heavy sanctions put on their domestic government, meaning the DPRK FA had to cut their cloth accordingly; Andersen’s contract wasn’t renewed. The result is likely to see Korea return to type, as Kim Yong Jun, a rookie coach, but an experienced domestic player who featured in their most recent World Cup outing in South Africa enters to fill Andersen’s sizeable shoes. Initial outings have seen Kim look to predominantly home-based call ups, too often deploying the ultra-defensive tactics of old, including the return of the flattest of back fives on occasion.

November’s East Asian Cup qualification failure suggests that the progress under Andersen has somewhat stalled. While they returned from Taipei unbeaten, failing to either overcome a Hong Kong side they bettered in Asian Cup qualification, or put the hosts Taiwan to the sword by a greater score line in the final matchday, meant the Koreans failed to make the East Asian Cup finals for the first time in five years, an early hammer blow to Kim’s fledgling managerial career.

Expectations heading into the Asian Cup, at least from anyone outside the country will be realistically modest. Having failed to make it out the group stage since the 1980s, without recording a victory in that time, recent results hardly suggest things will change. They’ll be up against also, drawing the likes of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, two sides who have had promising transitional periods of late. While recent history suggests (losing 5-0 in Beirut last October), Lebanon are a notch ahead at present as well.

Judging the progress of North Korean football by their results and performances due to be showcased in the Emirates, would be underselling the progress Andersen achieved over his tenure. Regrettably we’ll likely see an untested, predominantly domestic based squad come January, a return to the start of a new phase, rather than a true test of the last four years. An interesting side note will instead assess which direction they go next; whether Kim sets up his side to play expansive attacking football, as was regularly the case under Andersen or retreat to their ambitions of old.

Key Men

Head Coach - Kim Yong Jun

Former international midfielder, who featured in North Korea’s infamous 7-0 reverse to Portugal at the 2010 World Cup. Has been brought in to finish the job of Norwegian Jorn Anderson who qualified the team for the Asian Cup. Has already alluded to returning to a more defensive set up than that of his predecessor.

Star Player - Jong Il Gwan

The most dependable attacking outlet North Korea has had over the last few seasons, Jong, now skipper of the national team provides creation and an end product from wide left and the work rate to press from the front. Has struggled domestically since moving to Switzerland two summers back, and will be looking for a new club to impress come January.

Under Pressure - Pak Kwang Ryong

Physical target man who has played in Europe his entire career, mainly in Switzerland but most recently Austria, has rarely illustrated his undoubted talent with the national team. Now, with a number of players plying their trade outside of North Korea, his place at the sharp end of their attack for once won’t be considered a sure thing.

Young Prospect - Han Kwang Song

Became the first North Korean to play in Serie A, when he made his debut as an 18-year-old for Cagliari before having an impressive goal scoring campaign with Perugia in Serie B last season. Has only just come into the senior national team fold towards the end of qualification and should provide stiff competition in an already strong area of the pitch for the Koreans.

Asian Cup 2019: Saudi Arabia (Preview)

This last summer’s World Cup will go down in history as the AFC’s strongest showing on the world stage. Saudi Arabia’s performances in Russia both helped and hindered that record, bouncing back from a 5-0 humbling at the hands of the hosts, to beat a Mohammed Salah-led Egypt side in their final match. From zeros to heroes in a matter of weeks, Asian football fans can feel particularly relieved that the sequence of events occurred in that order, as we’re about to be served up another dose of Juan Antonio Pizzi attacking play this January.

The coach, and the reformed Green Falcons he inherited, drew plenty of positive reviews on the run up to the World Cup, only to be indiscriminately disregarded at the first hurdle. As was predicted, the strict possession-based football that Pizzi urges from his squad, something so alien from previous regimes, was a high-risk approach, that was either going to prove successful immediately or crash into flames.

Months on from their World Cup exit, the true extent of the way Saudi Arabia played has rarely been discussed outside the region. This is understandable to a degree, given the muted image of the team in Europe, and the fact they failed in progressing out of the group stage. However, the football they played in those opening group phases (of the Russia encounter in particular) was some of the boldest and most unexpected of the first round.

The balance was always going to compromised given where they started from. Saudi football has only just began to start rearing its head from its own naval to integrate with world football in the last year. Last winter’s loan moves to Spain for a few Saudi internationals, clearly had its benefits in the short term (Salem Al-Dawsari & Yahya Al-Shehri’s sharpness in Russia was quickly visible), yet the last-minute process meant we only saw a project in it’s infancy. To their credit the SFF realised this to be the case. Firing Pizzi upon their exit, a move in isolation which wouldn’t have been entirely unforeseeable, would’ve set football in the country back another four years.

Heading to the Asian Cup this January, Saudi Arabia can point to two factors that have improved over the last six months. One being merely the time elapsed, Pizzi has had longer to integrate his philosophy and run the rule over his playing staff. The other; the standard of opposition has considerably dropped. Playing such a high risk, possession hungry style of football against the world’s elite is always going to end spectacularly. Playing such a style where you’re technically superior, should start to provide results.

Not that this has proven to be the case thus far in preparation however, drawing to Bolivia and Iraq either side of defeat to Brazil, before a pair of pretty drab performances against Yemen and Jordan in November. The philosophy for the time being is clearly of greater importance than the results on the board, but it will be a nagging concern going into the Asian Cup, that Pizzi’s Saudi side have failed to comfortably ease past any kind of opposition to date.

The team’s greatest strength remains in the middle of the park. Salman Al-Faraj made a name for himself in Russia, demonstrating clever movement, an eye for a quick pass, and calmness under pressure. Just imagine, if he’d been asked to take up this role earlier in his career? Next to him, Abdullah Otayf provided the perfect foil; not so inventive in possession, but busy, tough and a general nuisance in winning possession back for Al-Faraj to wield from deep.

For all their proficiency in centre midfield, tying back to front has been incredibly laboured. Centre backs and forwards, used to quick direct plays, bypassing the midfield were left looking clumsy, stagnated and too often in no man’s land. Over Pizzi’s tenure, this has been an area that has been slow in improvement, with the individual players’ technical ability either proving to be the key turning points or ever increasingly the limiting factors.

Osama Hawsawi, the legendary Saudi captain who embodied the old national team mindset, for all his merits wasn’t befitting of the requirements of the new style of play. His retirement after the World Cup opens the possibility of a new partnership being formed, something that is still under construction on the eve of the Asian Cup. Motaz Hawsawi and Ali Albulayhi came out of Russia in a good light, while there is still a persistence to field the third Hawsawi; Omar, despite a summer to forget.

In attack, there’s even more uncertainty. While the support roles feel comfortable in their abundance, the leading man in attack remains a big question mark. Mohammad Al-Sahlawi, top scorer in qualification demonstrably doesn’t have the open play game to succeed in attacking build-up play but does have the pedigree continentally to finish off chances when they come his way. The other two to have been tested with any sort of regularity; Abdulfattajh Adam and Mohanad Aseri did little to illustrate they can offer any more.

Two intriguing last-minute options take inspiration from Saudi football past and future. Nasser Al-Shamrani, the 34-year-old veteran has started the season in promising form for Al-Shabab, while admittedly offering a mere penalty box presence such as Al-Sahlawi, he has the pedigree to succeed. Secondly, young Al-Qadsiah striker Harouna Camara is the talk the town. The 20-year-old who only broke through domestically at the end of last season, impressed in bursts at the Asian Games, but has yet to illustrate consistency or Pizzi’s full trust in him.

The future looks bright in general for Saudi football. Champions at U19 level in the last few months, coupled with their U19 final appearance and U20 World Cup knockout stages run for the cohort previous, all alludes to the crop of talent ready to break through. Faris Al-Burakain and Abdulrahman Ghareeb, two of the breakout stars on display in Indonesia, have already been called up by Pizzi in November despite having only featured a handful of times for their club sides.

Plenty to think about then ahead of the UAE, but for neutrals at least it offers up a tantalising chance that Saudi Arabia could provide some of the most exciting football the tournament has to offer. Ignoring a potentially highly charged match with Qatar, the schedule pits the Saudis as clear favourites to escape the group. Finding the right balance between defence and attack will be the key task for the coach (as it was in Russia), to truly assess if this side can really challenge for latter tournament honours.

Key Men

Head Coach - Juan Antonio Pizzi (ESP)

Highly thought of manager, who survived an embarrassing first day battering at the World Cup to exit the tournament with some admirers. The former Chile coach fully entrusts his players in possession, a complete change from Saudi Arabian football of the past. While the football is considerably more pleasing aesthetically, doubts remain whether the players at his disposal can provide success in terms of results.

Star Player - Salman Al-Faraj

Lanky yet cultured centre midfielder who has excelled in Pizzi’s short term as coach. Previously criticised for his lack of physicality and attacking ventures, Al-Faraj impressive ball retention and chance creation, in particular on show at the World Cup has made him integral to this the new Saudi Arabian team. Has finished on the losing side in two Asian Champions League finals.

Under Pressure - Fahad Al-Muwallad

An enigma, who on his day is one of the most devastating attacking players in the whole of Asia. Has rarely found his feet under Pizzi, either playing out of position in the lone front man role or lacking the technical ability to cope with a possession hungry approach. An excellent impact substitute, who scored the winning goal that sealed World Cup qualification.

Young Prospect - Haroune Camara

Broke onto the scene at the end of last season, with an emphatic scoring run with Al-Qadsiah, but has started the current campaign in less prolific form. The 20-year-old impressed at the Asian Games in August, in spurts, scoring a hat-trick against China, but has yet to demonstrate the consistency required to become the leading man under Pizzi.

Asian Cup 2019: Qatar (Preview)

With 2022 burnt in the foresight of Qatari football, a first road marker to assess progress is set early with their trip to the Emirates in January. Having quickly shifted tact, from experienced and nationalised, to youthful and home grown, little was expected of them at this early juncture, given the previous side disappointed so much in the last couple of years. Under former youth coach Felix Sanchez however, Qatar have quickly alerted the world to their potential with an upsurge in play, beating Switzerland and drawing with Iceland in November, to swing interest back in the Qataris favour on the eve of the Asian Cup.

What difference some 18 months can make? Last June, Qatar limply exited World Cup qualification, after some lofty ambitions, of at least competing for a place in Russia were clumsily dashed. Watching on, as the likes of neighbours Saudi Arabia and war-torn Syria, packed a punch, Qatari fans were left questioning why they couldn’t achieve similar results? Instead, Qatar exited in bottom spot, behind labouring China and Uzbekistan sides, with few crumbs of comfort, only to be eased by the fact they’d at least make their debut next time around.

2022 has long been the target, but the last few years have been borne out of the hope that it wouldn’t be their first time on the grandest of world stages. A last chance saloon, which saw their nationalising practices shift into overdrive, including the late recruit of 36-year-old Brazilian Rodrigo Tabata, the ways of old were simply running out of gas. Earlier in qualification; Qatar peaked, starting 8 players against Iran who were born outside of the country. Why did they need to do this? Well, the domestic stock was clearly not up to it.

Well that was the party line anyway, run emphatically by outgoing coach Uruguayan Jorge Fossati. When questioned on his perspective of using nationalised players over Qatari born ones, Fossati wasn’t shy in throwing his adopted countrymen under the bus. Fast forward a year and a half, to a side that fielded 8 starting players born in Qatar, at an average age of 24, beating one of Europe’s top national teams, and I’m sure Fossati is regretting his unequivocal dismissal.

His successor, Felix Sanchez has benefitted from a quick overhaul that has long been in the pipeline. Fossati and his fellow countryman Jose Daniel Carreno before him were tasked to bleed the current stock dry, by any which way possible, recruiting whoever they saw fit to qualify for 2018. Sanchez on the other hand, was directed in the more politically appeasing route, of young homegrown stock that would better reflect the country come 2022.

Sanchez has extensive experience of this very set of players, coaching the same group through the Aspire Academy, the U19s, where Qatar were Asian champions in 2014, U20s, where Qatar travelled to New Zealand to play in the Youth World Cup, to U23s, where they recorded back-to-back continental semi-final appearances. He wasn’t the biggest of names, even within domestic Qatari football, but he knew the resources he had at his disposal, and he continually brings the best out of them.

The side that succeeded on their recent trip to Europe may have been raw but they were well established in the style Sanchez (and the broadly the Spanish run Aspire Academy) required. Possession from the back, quick interplays, and a flexible attack, all growing Qatari hallmarks, throughout their successful youth campaigns. A foundation, which is about to be tested on the competitive senior level for the first time.

Going from considered underdogs, to a key player in UAE, over such a short period, is going to be a difficult ask, and should be allowed some slack if they do indeed fall short in January. With a centre back duo, that are set to only turn 21 on the eve of the tournament, it’s difficult to see Qatar challenging the elite nations for a finals birth, given the European expertise their opposition bring to the table. Facing off in their final group match against Saudi Arabia looks to already be a key sounding board for both sides progress to date, ever more so given the simmering political landscape at the minute.

There is a case to be said, for momentum, which Qatar clearly has. Not only are they benefiting from a strong record for the national team, the nucleus of the squad (playing for either of Qatar’s leading clubs Al-Duhail and Al Sadd) have recent experience of continental Champions League quarter final play. Left back Abdelkarim Hassan has been recently named (however surprisingly) the AFC Player of the Year, while there are still a few experienced heads left in the setup, the likes of Hassan Al-Haydos would feature heavily for almost any side in Asia right now if he was of another nationality.

Their brightest star arguably however, is flying winger Akram Afif, a player that has it in his range to attract a European offer with his showings in the Emirates. The winning goal scorer against the Swiss, Afif’s ascendancy into the limelight has taken it’s time to ferment, bouncing around several outposts in Europe before heading back to Qatar with Al Sadd. His play has clearly come on however despite failing to nail down regular minutes, something he’ll now be able to draw upon for the Maroons.

With scrutiny starting to develop over a promising, but to an extent untested national side, with four years to go until their own World Cup, it would be naive to think that any false move in January wouldn't be pounced upon with glee by the salivating media. While a year ago, we’d have expected to only see green shoots however, the quick progress Sanchez has energised in the squad may offer hope that a sustained run to the latter stages isn’t out of the question.

Key Men

Head Coach - Felix Sanchez (ESP)

Relatively unknown coach, who has been immersed in the development of Qatari football for the last 10 years. Has an incredible bond with this precise “generation 2022” set of players, having guided the group to successes at U19 and U23 level. Instructs his players to play a possession based, flowing style, that is instilled through the Spanish run Aspire Academy.

Star Player - Hassan Al-Haydos

One of the few old heads, and even rarer a player over 25, born in Qatar. Has been the poster boy of the national team for years, having the ability to open up defences and beat his marker in tight spaces. Now skipper, he can operate either on the right side of the attack, or deeper in midfield.

Under Pressure - Akram Afif

Still only 22, Afif has experienced plenty in his fledgling career already. Having excelled in Belgium with Aspire owned Eupen, the large step up in quality to the big leagues with Villareal and Sporting Gijon was too much for the quick winger, who’s now back in Qatar with somewhat of a point to prove to his critics. Scored the winner against Switzerland in November.

Young Prospect - Assim Madibo

Short but muscular holding midfielder who has the ability to set off explosive attacks, is primed to be this tournament’s breakout star. Has improved his game significantly since moving to Al-Gharafa on loan, to play alongside Wesley Sneijder, developing a European style of play, that fits well with the new direction of the national team.