Friday 19 / April / 2024
MUSCAT: Uzbekistan and Qatar will be battling it out for a place in the round of 16 when they face Turkmenistan and North Korea respectively in the AFC Asian Cup.
2022 World Cup hosts Qatar defeated Lebanon 2-0 in their opening game and will be looking to secure qualification with victory over North Korea.
Qatari midfielder Hassan Al Haydos said, "Our game against North Korea is important .. We will need to focus to get a positive result."
They will have plenty of people at home and in the UAE cheering them on, including former international players such as Khalid Salman.
Salman, had a special message for the team ahead of their game.
"The hope we have in you is big. And the evidence shows that we have some of the best players here.
"When you play your games, play and think about the fact that you are representing a precious nation named Qatar. And for that reason, I expect alot from you."
North Korea, who lost 4-0 to Saudi Arabia in their opening game, will hope to bounce back with a win against the Qataris when the two sides meet at the Khalifa bin Zayed International Stadium in Al Ain.
Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will also have one foot in the round of 16. They have made it to the knockout stages of every Asian Cup since 2000 and need three points tonight to be assured of qualification.
Standing in their way are their neighbours, the highly impressive Turkmenistan who fell to Japan in an entertaining match that ended 3-2.
Depending on Japan's result against Oman, the White Wolves could be the first team in Group F to join Jordan, China, South Korea, Iran, and Iraq in the last 16.
