Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Almoez Ali has hailed the teamwork of his side following their 2-0 win against Saudi Arabia on Thursday evening, which propelled Qatar to face Iraq in the last 16 clash at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.

The 22-year-old striker scored his sixth and seventh goals of what has been a prolific Asian Campaign in each half to turn the contest in the favour of the Maroons. Speaking after the game, Ali stressed that the work of his teammates handed him the goals and that he is not looking at winning the golden boot just yet.

“I don’t think about the Golden boot, my main concern is the success of the team as a whole, the team always comes first”.

“Of course, I am playing as striker and I have to finish the job in front of the goal. We deserve to win, and we played well as a team I scored the goals but we all worked together” added Ali.

Much had been made of the atmosphere facing Qatar in Abu Dhabi, however, Ali quickly dismissed the notion that the fans affected how his side played.

The Duhail attacker has arguably been the breakout star of the Asian Cup but was quick to heap praise on midfielder Assim Madibo who played a vital role in the centre of the park.

“Since Day 1, Madibo was rock solid and performed at a very high level, he has helped us a lot. I think he will be one of the best midfielders at the Asian Cup.”

Attention will now shift to Tuesday’s match against Iraq, and Ali believes that his side will have to be at their very best to overcome the lions of Mesopotamia, “Iraq are one of the best teams in Asia, beating them will require us to give it all we’ve got, their energetic style of play creates problems to their opponents and are very astute off the ball as well, I am certain it will be a match to remember”.

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