Copa America 2019: Colombia 1-0 Qatar - Three observations from the match

#2 Qatar must keep a check on their aggression

Qatar were far too audacious in their conduct

The Al-Annabi showed great heart and character in the last game to Paraguay where they fought back from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 and earn a valuable point.

In this process, the reigning Asian champions also earned plaudits from all quarters. Against Colombia, they set up compact and closed down passing lanes to frustrate Carlos Quieroz's men to vast extents of the match in another tidy performance.

Qatar though, would be hard-pressed to have ended on the losing end despite a stoic defensive show, but a rather aggressive and brash conduct by the players left a bittersweet taste about their overall performance.

Almost every time the referee whistled the game to a halt in lieu of a foul, the crimson-clad brigade came accosting at him. In the second half, Venezuelan official Alexis Hernandez pointed to the spot for an apparent handball, and five to six Qatari players came raging at him churlishly asking him to review his decision through the VAR.

The Maroons skipper Hassan Al-Haydos in particular was always seen exchanging words with the official whenever the game was paused, whereas Akram Afif even pelted unsavoury Spanish slangs at him for calling out his foul at one point.

22-year-old Hasim Madibo who was already on a yellow came scurrying at Hernandez for calling out his foul on James Rodriguez and gave him the death stare. One can only wonder how did he get away with that.

As much as Qatar impressed with a sturdy showing, this kind of brash and brazen conduct makes it highly unprofessional, thereby undermining their own monumental efforts.