World Cup 'marathon' a different challenge: Afif – The Express Tribune

US
The AFC Player of the Year believes Qatar will be in tough situation at the qualifiers
Qatar's Akram Afif believes the reigning Asian champions can overcome a faltering start to the third phase of the continent's World Cup preliminaries as they seek automatic qualification for the 2026 finals.
Afif was crowned player of the year by the Asian Football Confederation for the second time on Tuesday after playing a major role in his nation's successful defence of their Asian Cup title on home soil earlier this year.
But Qatar's attempts to qualify for the World Cup have been less straightforward than their continental title win, with Tintin Marquez's side sitting in fourth in their group with four points from their opening four matches.
"Our situation in World Cup qualification is very hard," said Afif, who was the leading scorer at the Asian Cup but has only netted once so far in the current round of preliminaries.
"It's not easy, the situation in the Asian Cup is very different, you just win seven games and you win the tournament or you go out in the knockout stage. That's it."
World Cup preliminaries are, by contrast, a much longer endeavour.
"The qualification is eight months and if you don't go through, you go into the playoffs. So this is something long term, like a marathon."
Qatar have never qualified for the World Cup, securing their berth at the 2022 finals as hosts, and recent results have increased the pressure on Marquez with only the top two finishers in each of Asia's three groups guaranteed to progress.
Iran and Uzbekistan occupy those positions in the Group A standings with the pair on 10 points, six clear of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Kyrgyzstan are a further point adrift with North Korea bottom of the group.
While the top two qualify for the finals in North America, the third- and fourth-placed finishers advance to a further round to determine Asia's eight guaranteed representatives at the tournament. "It's hard and the fans are not happy, of course," Afif said. REUTERS
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
Jason’s reaction, captured on video, shows him smashing the fan’s phone, sparking discussions across social media.
This shift in Jenner’s beauty approach may be influenced by her current boyfriend, actor Timothée Chalamet.
Pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo recently shared a unique question she asks on first dates to help spot red flags.
Musk shared a clip from Cardi’s rally speech, which faced technical glitches, and questioned her authenticity.
WATCH: India's Ashwin stuns fans with 'greatest catch' vs New Zealand
Jason Kelce shocks fans by smashing phone after offensive remark about Travis and Taylor Swift
Pakistan announce squad for first ODI against Australia in Melbourne
Sajid Khan shares historic England Test win with 'proud' sons
Hong Kong Super Sixes: Pakistan secure final spot with four-wicket over Australia
Hong Kong Sixes: Unbeaten Pakistan clinch semi-final spot
Leaders with a vision
Governance of population agenda in Pakistan
In the service of public servants
Four filthy years of Biden
Pakistan’s Strategic Climate Agenda for COP29
Mr Trump, it's time to partner Pakistan's progression!
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, redistributed or derived from. Unless otherwise stated, all content is copyrighted © 2024 The Express Tribune.

source