Asian Cup 2019: Qatar 1-0 South Korea: 3 takeaways

#2 Qatari players were outnumbered in the final third but managed to score a wonderful goal

Abdulaziz Hatem (left)

Qatar played a 5-3-2 formation for the majority of the match but switched to a 5-4-1 as soon as they lost possession. However, they lacked width in the attack and their side midfielders could not play too many crosses either. Korea always had 3-4 players inside their own penalty box while defending Qatari attacks, and allowed them very little space in the final third.

Qatar tried to penetrate into the penalty box through the flanks at times but did not succeed in creating a good move. Afif was a constant threat to the Korean defenders and took a few shots at the goal as well.

Qatar also struggled somewhat to increase numbers in the final third but managed to get the elusive goal, as Hatem beat the Korean goalie with a rasping shot. The Korean goalkeeper’s view was blocked by the presence of two of their defenders, and he was a bit late in his reaction.