AFC Asian Cup Final 2024: Qatar’s pressing power meets Jordan’s counter artistry – tactical preview

After nearly a month of exciting football out in Qatar, the finalists for the AFC Asian Cup 2024 are finally set, with Qatar set to take on Jordan on Saturday, February 10, at the Lusail Stadium.

For hosts Qatar, the occasion is nothing new. They are the defending champions, having sailed to title success in 2019 on the back of 19 goals scored in seven matches, including three in the final against Japan. Their attack this time around has not reached those heights, but they have still netted 11 times in six matches while conceding just four and are certainly the favourites heading into this clash.

However, their opponents are arguably the story of the competition this time around, making it to their first-ever final despite being only the 13th-best team in Asia and qualifying for the knockouts as one of the best third-placed teams. Jordan have had a fairytale run, beating the likes of Iraq and South Korea in the knockouts to make it to the summit clash. Their progress to this stage has been built on a robust defensive foundation, as they have let in just five goals in six games so far, as well as an attack that has averaged two goals a game.

This tactical analysis will preview the AFC Asian Cup final by looking at the intricacies of both teams tactics in attack and defence, tactical themes to look out for, and some of their best performers so far, as well as players to keep an eye on in the final. Without further ado, lets dive right into the analysis!

Formations and Personnel

This particular dimension provides one of the most interesting contrasts between the two teams.

Jordan have been a beacon of consistency in this tournament, largely sticking with a 3-4-3 formation. The only time they have changed that up was against Bahrain in the group stage and Iraq in the Round of 16, choosing a 3-4-2-1 and a 5-4-1, respectively. However, their principles and build-up remained largely similar in those two formations.

Yazeed Abulaila has started in goal in all six matches, with Abdallah Nasib, Yazan Al-Arab and Salem Al-Ajalin forming coach Hussein Ammoutas preferred back three. However, Anas Bani Yaseen and Bara Marei have also received a start apiece. Mahmoud Al-Mardi and Ehsan Haddad have largely taken up the wing-back positions, with Mohammad Abu Hasheesh and Feras Shelbaieh starting a game apiece.

In holding midfield, Jordan have experimented with Noor Al-Rawabdeh, Nizar Al-Rashdan, Rajaei Ayed and Fadi Awad all jostling for the two spots, with the former two starting the semifinal against South Korea. Left winger Ali Olwan played in each of their first five matches but was dropped for Al-Mardi in the semifinal, while Mousa Al-Tamari has been Ammoutas preferred right-wing option. Lastly, striker Yazan Al-Naimat has started all of their matches as their striker.

Qatar, on the other hand,