There are somethings that will never fail to get you right in the feels spot. When pleasing calendar dates sync up (we’re looking at you 12/31/23); the smell of a freshly-pressed magazine; or when a footballer unleashes an absolute peach of a volley that looks like it was destined for the top corner of the goal the second it is hit. Well, we’ve had all three of those happening in the past month – the omens are good for 2024.
The Asian Cup is currently underway in Qatar – with the host nation welcoming the best teams across Asia for another month-long festival of football. Carrying on from its hosting duties at last year’s tremendous FIFA World Cup, the defending Asian Cup champions Qatar have started with a bang.
Not only has Qatar stormed through the Group stages with a flawless record of three wins from three games – defeating China, Lebanon and Tajikistan – with out conceding a goal, it has also wowed the home fans with some marvelous attacking play, and one seriously outrageous goal.
Asia Cup producing a Puskas award contender ?pic.twitter.com/Qc5zSF0KqT
— The 44 ⚽️ (@The_Forty_Four) January 22, 2024
In the game against China, the score was delicately poised at 0-0 when mercurial winger Akram Afif wanders over to take a corner kick in the 65th minute. He spots team captain Hassan Al-Haydos lurking around the edge of the area unmarked, and floats in a cross to him. Known for his scoring prowess, the Al-Sadd striker attempts an blistering volley that he connects with so sweetly the Chinese keeper has zero chance in saving. Cue: pandemonium.
Qatar’s showing at the Asian Cup so far has been the perfect remedy for an underwhelming showing at last year’s World Cup, and that Al-Haydos goal is proof positive that this team remains the one to beat in this year’s tournament.