Fans expect Qatar to pull off another spectacular performance to create history
NT Bureau
Doha: It’s a dream coming true.
Doha is buzzing with intense excitement and anticipation as Qatar prepares to take on Jordan in the Asian Cup 2023 final at the iconic Lusail Stadium today, aiming to become the first team since Japan to win back-to-back AFC Asian Cup titles.
Qatar will be seeking a second successive title, having emerged champions spectacularly in the 2019 edition. Jordan are aiming to become AFC Asian Cup champions for the first time.
The country had erupted in joy when the Qatari team showed tremendous grit to come from behind to defeat Iran in a thrilling semi-final on Wednesday.
Many citizens and residents have booked their tickets for the final match and there was a huge spike in demand for tickets after Qatar emerged victorious in the semi-final.
Some football fans said they had to wait for several hours to book the tickets online as there was a huge rush. But the wait was worth it, they said.
The match will start at 6pm.
At the same time, football fans have a plethora of opportunities to watch the match free.
For those heading to Katara Cultural Village, at Al Hikmah Square, there are four giant TV screens, ensuring everyone has a prime view of the game.
At the Expo 2023 Doha’s Fan Zone, people can watch the match on a giant screen, with ample seating areas for thousands of viewers.
Old Doha Port too has locations where the match can be watched free on the screen, and in the Industrial Area, fans can watch at three locations – the football grounds in Asian City accommodation and Barwa Baraha, and the Activities Zone in the Barwa Workers Recreation Complex in Al Khor.
Abu Sidra Mall, Lagoona Mall, Mall of Qatar, 900Park, Hotel Park Doha and the scenic B12 Beach Club Doha are venues where fans can enjoy the match.
Qatar fans are expecting their feisty team to create history and repeat their previous performance, and Qatar coach too is confident of the team performing well.
“I’m very happy for everybody, the people of Qatar, the fans and the players. It was a complicated match but I think we played well. The players did not spare any effort,” a beaming Qatar coach Marquez Lopez had told reporters after the match.
“The players implemented my philosophy and ideas on the pitch so they deserve my thanks… Now we have one final step left to defend our title,” the 59-year-old added.
