When Qatar and Jordan played in a pre-Asian Cup friendly at the start of January – a game Jordan won 2-1 – no one expected that the next time the two team’s would meet would be in Saturday night’s final at Lusail Stadium.
But it is as tantalising as it is unexpected, first for the history that will be created whoever should lift the trophy into the Doha sky, but secondly for the showdown between two of the tournament’s best and most exciting players in Akram Afif and Mousa Al-Taamari.
Both quiet and humble off the pitch, as players they are the opposite. They are exhibitionists. Entertainers. Players that, when they receive the ball, make you sit up and edge a little further forward on your seat in anticipation of what could come next.
And at this tournament, something usually does come next. Whether it’s Afif’s solo stunner against Iran, or Al-Taamari’s mazy run and finish through the heart of the Korean midfield, it’s been a tournament to remember for the duo.
Their respective semi-final performances, in which both turned in man of the match displays, offered a teasing glimpse as to what to expect on Saturday night.
Afif, the Asian Player of the Year in 2019, was Qatar’s ‘everywhere man’ once again. While he starts on the left, such in is talent and importance, he has a licence to roam almost anywhere.
One moment he will be on the left and cutting inside, the next he’s dropping deep to pick up the ball on the edge of his own area. It makes him incredibly tough to mark, a dangerous thing given the quality contained within his boots.
His numbers this tournament speak for themself, sitting in the top three for goals, shots, assists and chances created.
His five goals and three assists in five matches is an outstanding return for any player, let alone a midfielder, but it speaks to his importance to this Qatari side. He has, at times, almost single-handedly willed his team over the line.
As Michael Church said on The Asian Game Podcast: “he has decided he is winning this thing for Qatar.”
His celebrations, especially after his stunning solo effort against Iran, tell a story, too. The fist pumping, the bicep curls, the pulling of the badge, this means more than just winning a tournament.
This is him restoring not only his own reputation, but that of his country after a chastening World Cup experience.
“Every tournament that we play, we learn a lot from,” he said after their victory over Iran.
“The World Cup was our first time. Yes we hosted it but frankly that was difficult.
“Now the Asian Cup is the second tournament we’ve played at home and now we have that experience and we’re showing that we can improve with every passing tournament.”
Al-Taamari, meanwhile, has underlined his status as one of the bonafide superstars of Asian football.
Despite establishing himself in one of Europe’s best leagues, playing and impressing for Montpellier in France’s Ligue 1, where has has three goals and an assist in the first half of the season, his is a name that has often flown under the radar.
While players like Afif, or Saudi Arabia’s Salem Al-Dawsari, are held up as the poster boys of West Asian football, Al-Taamari has often felt like Asia’s best kept secret.
But now the secret is out.
While his pure numbers aren’t a match for Afif – three goals and 10 chances created, still a fantastic return – his impact has been just as profound, particularly in their shock semi-final victory over Korea Republic.
Coming up against established stars like Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in, it was Al-Taamari who shone brightest and had the biggest impact on the outcome of the game.
His ability to run at speed with the ball at his feet is enough to send any defender into a cold sweat, and his goal to seal the match for Jordan will be one on permanent replay across Amman for years to come.
The ease with which he sliced through the Korean midfield was a sight to behold, and one we saw numerous times as the Koreans struggled to contain the winger.
What is evident in watching, not just Al-Taamari but the entire Jordan team, is the element of fun in their play, giving them a freedom to express themselves and show no fear, and we are seeing the best of them and Al-Taamari as a result.
“I must credit our coach (Hussein Ammouta), who emphasised the importance of enjoying ourselves,” he said in the aftermath of their semi-final success.
“He instilled a winning mentality in us, and we dedicate this victory to our fans.
“I dreamt of winning the AFC Asian Cup a month ago, and now that dream is almost a reality. It’s a proud moment for me, my country and club, Montpellier.
“The support from Jordan and the club has been invaluable. Making my country proud in France is a great honour and I hope we can emerge victorious in the final.”
With Afif and Al-Taamari are given licence to have fun and showcase their natural ability, we are the lucky ones who get to lap it all up from the stands and loungerooms across the world.
Whoever wins come Saturday night, we are in for one hell of a show.
Listen to The Asian Game Podcast LIVE from Souq Waqif after Qatar’s dramatic win over Iran
