Countdown to the Final: What they said

Abu Dhabi: After 50 compelling matches, limitless drama and the emergence of several new stars, just two teams remain in the hunt for Asian football's greatest prize.

As the Continent counts down the hours to the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 final, the-AFC.com hears from the key individuals in Friday's encounter at Zayed Sports City Stadium.

THE COACHES

Felix Sanchez - Head coach, Qatar

"To quality for the final, with this result, we need to feel very proud for the country and for these players who are doing an amazing effort and making a lot of these people happy. I am very proud of them.

"When I arrived in Qatar I started to coach players like Akram (Afif), (Assim) Madibo, Almoez (Ali, so it's nice to make it all this way with them. Now some of them are here in the first team, because they deserve it, they work hard, they have the level and I'm very proud of them, because I especially know how hard they had to work to be here today."

Hajime Moriyasu - Head coach, Japan

“We knew (in the semi-final against Islamic Republic of Iran) it would be very hard to hold the ball, but the players tried hard and delivered the ball from the defensive line to the forwards and I think that was the good part. we were able to be aggressive in attack and defence but we were patient defensively and we were able to stop the Iranian attacks.

"There wasn’t just one style of play, but the players showed flexibility and that’s what got us our result. In the final, we will have our football ideals but when we face the reality we will adjust to that.”
THE CAPTAINS

Maya Yoshida - Captain, Japan (5 AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 appearances)

"(Being the captain) is a new role for me, and I'm really enjoying my role. It's going be tough because Hasebe had a long time taking the responsibility, but I'm really enjoying my time as a captain and I hope I can lead the team higher.

"I try to let (the younger players) play more comfortably, and with confidence, but also I want them to feel they are taking responsibility for representing the national team. These are important things for new players. I want them to enjoy the final."

Hassan Al Haydos - Qatar (6 appearances, 1 goal, 1 assist)

“I can tell you for sure, that I am not worried about myself as what really matters is that the team wins game after game. I think everyone can see the atmosphere among the players.

"Indeed, the 23 players plus all the technical staff are one big family and that is something which reflects positively on the pitch. We are confident and have prepared well for the tournament. We are looking forward to doing even better."
THE PLAYERS

Almoez Ali - Qatar (6 appearances, 8 goals)

"We don’t look at the statistics: You could win 1-0 today and lose 3-0 tomorrow. Everything we did so far is one thing, but what’s coming up is more important.

"The final needs patience, so if we are patient, play well and forget about everything we did so far, only then will we win the final."

Takumi Minamino - Japan (5 appearances, 3 assists)

"Whatever people are saying all we do is believe in what we have been doing and focus on preparing to get to the final. We haven’t lost under coach Moriyasu yet, but I don’t really think that has any bearing (on the next game), and you never know what can happen in a final.

"Now we have to go again and I think it’s vital that we work together as we have done until now in order to prepare for the final."

Pedro Correia - Qatar (6 appearances)

"The feeling is so big. We don't have too much time to recover because after two days, its the game, you just have to do what you are doing now. Recover well, sleep well, eat well and train well to reach the final in a good way and make a good performance is the main thing for us.

"Everybody is now motivated for the final against Japan, because it's a difficult game. Japan have a good team and good players but we have to just continue what we have done until now. Play like a family to get good results in the final and take the final for us."

Tsukasa Shiotani - Japan (4 appearances, 1 goal)

"I can't even explain. This competition is a very big competition, as we wanted to be champions, so, to be in the final and do it here... I can't explain. I am happy."

Assim Madibo - Qatar (5 appearances)

"The final will be a great match, and we will go there to enjoy. We watched Japan against Iran - they are quick and have really good players, but we are also good and have players who can make the difference.

"It is all about team work; before the tournament we worked a lot on the defensive side of our game as a team, not just the back four. It bore fruit and we did not concede for six games in a row. For us, it doesn’t matter who starts and who doesn’t. This as one of our strengths. There are 23 players in the squad, all ready to give their all."


Source: the-afc.com