WATCH extended 2021 FIFA Arab Cup daily highlights from December 1-19 via SBS On Demand, plus LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE coverage of the semi-finals and final on SBS and SBS On Demand from December 16.
The tournament hosts booked their spot in the final four with a dominant 5-0 win against the United Arab Emirates on Saturday and will be determined to continue their impressive run with victory at the Al Thumuma Stadium on Thursday (AEDT).
Having gained automatic qualification as hosts of next year’s 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar has been globetrotters in search of matches in preparation for their maiden World Cup appearance.
The Maroon has taken part in South America’s Copa America in 2019, the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2021 and as a non-point scoring participant in European World Cup Qualifying.
While the reigning Champions of Asia have been undefeated at the Arab Cup so far, Almoez knows against Algeria, Qatar will start as dark horses but is confident their recent experience will give them an edge.
“Our opponents, who have plenty of experience, will be tough and it’s going to be a difficult semi-final but we are targeting a place in the final for which we will do our best,” Almoez said.
“The experience of our World Cup preparations will come handy in the semi-final and we are looking forward to a winning show to qualify for the final.”
Algeria, the reigning African Champions, qualified for the semi-finals after edging Morocco on penalties in the quarter-finals.
The Desert Warriors are undefeated so far during the Arab Cup tournament winning three games and drawing one.
If Qatar is to win the goal-scoring prowess of Almoez is sure to be key to their chances.
Almoez scored a brace against the UAE and now has 39 goals in 78 international appearances, just two goals shy of Mubarak Mustafa’s Qatar record of 41 goals.
He said Qatar’s win over the UAE has given them fresh belief and will use the vocal home support to fuel them towards the title.
“It was a collective effort from the entire team. This win has given us huge confidence and has made us more eager to win the Arab Cup,” Almoez said
“The best part was the turnout of the match. Playing in front of around 63000 spectators was superb and I want to thank our fans for giving us extra energy with their support.”
2021 FIFA Arab Cup on SBS and SBS On Demand - LIVE schedule
Arab Cup semi-finals
Thursday, December 16
Semi-final 1
Tunisia v Egypt
1:30am (AEDT) – 4:00am (AEDT)
Semi-final 2
Qatar v Algeria
5:30am (AEDT) – 8:00am (AEDT)
Arab Cup final
Sunday, December 19
TBC v TBC
1:30am (AEDT) – 4:30 am (AEDT)
