QFA President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa along with coaches pose for a picture with the trophy after the Draw. PICS: AFP
Hosts and defending champions Qatar will meet two-time runners-up China, debutants Tajikistan and Lebanon in Group A of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, the Official Draw at the Katara Opera House revealed yesterday.
Carlos Queiroz-coached Al Annabi will begin their title defence against Lebanon in opening match of the January 12 to February 10, 2024 tournament at Al Bayt Stadium that also hosted the opening ceremony of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Yesterday’s draw threw up exciting contests in the group stage of Asia’s showpiece that will be played at eight venues in Qatar including six stadiums which hosted the World Cup games. The 24 competing teams – divided into six groups – include seven former champions.
Backed by home fans, Qatar will be looking to become only the fifth team in history to secure back-to-back Asian crowns after Iran, Japan, Korea Republic and Saudi Arabia. Qatar coach Queiroz stressed the team must be ready to take on top teams of the continent.
“We want to compete against the best and try to beat the best. It is not about the opponents but about us, and now it is time to deliver, work and be well prepared. The most important thing is to play good football, to have fun and bring as much pride and honour for the country,” the former Real Madrid coach told reporters after the Draw.
“Football is always about the next step, the next game. The next game is Qatar against Lebanon in this competition and that’s what counts. When the games start it will be about one team, one family, one mission and one goal,” Queiroz, who led Iran to two World Cups, added.
Hassan Al Haydos, who captained Qatar to the historic Asian Cup triumph in 2019, said Al Annabi will do its best to retain the coveted trophy.
“Playing at the big stage in Asia is always an honour and to be able to defend the trophy at home will be even more special. I can’t wait to play in front of our fantastic fans and we will try to do everything to make them proud,” said Al Haydos, who was among the stars who conducted the Draw.
Exciting groups revealed
Record four-time winners Japan will be among the main title contenders and will take on former champions Iraq, Indonesia and Vietnam in Group D.
The Hajime Moriyasu’s side are top ranked team in Asia and will look to continue their fine performance in Qatar after reaching the last 16 stage of the World Cup beating Spain on their way.
The Group C includes three-time champions Iran, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong China and Palestine.
Hassan Al Haydos draws Qatar.
Australia, who lifted the Asian Cup in 2015 at home, will also be looking to repeat their performance at the World Cup when it reached the second round and lost to eventual champions Argentina.
The Socceroos, coached by Graham Arnold, are in Group B with Uzbekistan, Syria and India.
“I am very happy with the draw. Obviously, having the familiarity with playing here in Qatar will help us as well,” said Arnold.
“You always have to go into these tournaments with expectations to win it. We’ll give it a great shot. Last time it was with an older group of players and I had to find some youngsters, but this time we’re more settled as a group. We’re going into this tournament with a great mindset and looking forward to doing well,” he added.
Saudi Arabia, who shocked Argentina in the group stage of the World Cup, are expected to win Group F as the Green Falcons will meet Thailand, Kyrgyzstan and Oman in the first stage. Two-time champions South Korea, who also reached the last 16 of Qatar 2022, are in Group E along with Malaysia, Jordan and Bahrain.
“The draw is exciting and, for me, it is all about learning now and learning about the opponents, teams and all the coaches that are here,” said South Korea head coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
“We have a strong team. We look at ourselves in the mirror and say we’re going to go to Qatar to win the tournament,” he added.
The top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed sides will reach the Round of 16.
