The Asian Cup hosts and reigning champions, Qatar, have proven their doubters wrong, according to skipper Hassan Al-Haydos, as they advance to the final on Saturday against Jordan.

A month before the competition, Tintin Marquez was abruptly brought in to take Carlos Queiroz's position as coach, which in certain circles was met with disapproval.

But the Spaniard made an instant impression, helping Qatar reach their second straight final.

Haydos responded to those who had written his squad off, saying their "professional mentality" has allowed them to take everything in stride.

"A month before the tournament, no one thought we would reach the final and no one thought we would deliver performances like this," he stated on Friday.

"But working with the coach, I think the team was able to reach this level because of the efforts of the players and the unity in the team."

After winning their first Asian championship in 2019, surprising presents from Jordan are the only thing preventing Qatar from winning another.

Marquez's team defeated Iran 3-2 in the semi-finals, and striker Almoez Ali scored the game-winning goal in the 82nd minute to secure their spot in the championship.

All 26 members of his team, including all three goalkeepers, have been utilized by Marquez, who claimed that "every player has contributed" to his team's journey to the championship.

"Some have played more than others but they have all had a role to play," the coach stated.

"It's a very important part of our system and philosophy."

Jordan advanced to the first final with a well-earned 2-0 victory against Son Heung-min's South Korea, while Qatar had one fewer day to prepare.

In the last minute, Alireza Jahanbakhsh's shot against the post nearly cost Qatar an equalizer, forcing them to battle until the very end to defeat Iran in the semifinals.

Marquez claimed that the players "are not machines" and that they had mostly recovered since the semifinals.

In the 88,000-seat Lusail Stadium, the Spaniard anticipates the championship game to be "a match between brothers".

"But even between brothers there is competition," he added.

"I might play tennis with my brother but I would play to win."

End//voice7news.tv