DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Just over a year since it staged the 2022 World Cup, Qatar has been lit up by the Asian Cup.
From a spectacular opening ceremony featuring fireworks at Lusail Stadium to thrilling matches on the field, the country is playing host to another memorable tournament.
And the home crowds have been given plenty to cheer as defending champion Qatar has advanced to the quarterfinals.
Indonesia’s goalkeeper Ernando Ari Sutaryadi receives his second goal during the Asian Cup round of 16 soccer match between Australia and Indonesia at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
While Lionel Messi starred at the World Cup, Qatar has its own hero in Akram Afif. The forward has established himself as one of the standout Asian Cup performers.
Pre-tournament favorite Japan remains in contention to win a record-extending fifth title, but must overcome three-time champion Iran in the quarterfinals.
South Korea is also in the hunt to win the trophy for the first time since 1960 after a dramatic penalty shootout win against Saudi Arabia in the last 16. It took a goal from Cho Gue-sung in the ninth minute of stoppage time to send the game into extra time before being settled on spot kicks.
Iraq’s Aymen Hussein celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the Asian Cup Group C soccer match between Iraq and Japan at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
South Korea plays 2015 champion Australia in the next round.
While it may not command global attention in the manner of the World Cup, the Asian Cup has produced gripping drama of its own.
Players of team Palestine stand for their national anthem in front of a Palestinian flag prior to the start of the Asian Cup Group C soccer match between Palestine and United Arab Emirates at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Thailand’s Supachai Chaided is dejected at full time of the Asian Cup round of 16 soccer match between Uzbekistan and Thailand at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. Uzbekistan won 2-1. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
Tajikistan’s Shahrom Samiev, left, duels for the ball with United Arab Emirates’ Yahia Nader during the Asian Cup Round of 16 soccer match between Tajikistan and United Arab Emirates, at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
South Korea’s goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-Woo, left, reacts when South Korea’s Hwang Hee-Chan, right, scores the winning penalty in a penalty shootout at the end of the Asian Cup Round of 16 soccer match between Saudi Arabia and South Korea, at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Indonesia’s Sandy Walsh, left, and Australia’s Bruno Fornapoli fight for the ball during the Asian Cup round of 16 soccer match between Australia and Indonesia at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
Iran’s Ali Gholizadeh, center, duels for the ball with Syria’s Jalil Elías, left, and Syria’s Fahd Youssef during the Asian Cup Round of 16 soccer match between Iran and Syria, at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
Palestine players prostrate as they celebrate scoring the first goal during the Asian Cup round of 16 soccer match between Qatar and Palestine at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
Iraq’s goalkeeper Jalal Hassan makes a save with a header in front of Jordan’s Yazan Alnaimat during the Asian Cup Round of 16 soccer match between Iraq and Jordan, at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Saudi Arabia’s Awn Alsalluli, background, and Thailand’s Teerasak Poeiphimai jump for the ball during the Asian Cup Group F soccer match between Saudi Arabia and Thailand at Education City Stadium, in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
Qatar’s Akram Afif celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Asian Cup Group A soccer match between Qatar and Lebanon at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Friday, Jan. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
South Korea celebrates after winning the game in a penalty kick shoot-out during the Asian Cup round of 16 soccer match between Saudi Arabia and South Korea at Education City Stadium Al Rayyan, Qatar, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
Hong Kong’s Everton Camargo, left, and Iran’s Milas Mohammadikeshmarzi vie for the ball during the Asian Cup Group C soccer match between Hong Kong and Iran at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Japan’s goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, centre, scores an own goal during the Asian Cup Round of 16 soccer match between Bahrain and Japan, at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Australia’s Bruno Fornapoli takes part in the training session of the national team, in Doha, Qatar, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024. Australia will play against Indonesia on Sunday for the round of 16 of the Asian Cup. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
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