The Asian Cup final on Friday is a battle betweenold and new as record champions Japan take on upstart newcomers Qatarin Abu Dhabi's showpiece Zayed Sports City Stadium.
Japan are searching for a fifth title, having not lost any of theirfour previous finals, after quick progress since the 2018 World Cupunder new coach Hajime Moriyasu.
World Cup 2022 hosts Qatar in contrast had never previously beenbeyond the last eight of the continental tournament before years ofwork - and investment - suddenly clicked under the leadership ofcoach Felix Sanchez.
Statistics suggest the Spaniard's side are the best in the UnitedArab Emirates with an incredible 16 goals scored, none conceded and a100 per cent record which includes wins over previous champions suchas Saudi Arabia, Iraq and South Korea.
And those were before they humiliated the hosts 4-0 in thesemi-finals in a match tinged with political tension given theongoing bickering between the countries.
"I think the players showed great commitment because we were in gameswhere we need to be realistic and the opposition, they are trying toattack and have good players and different options and the playerswere very well organized," Sanchez said.
"They were very focused on the challenge and the side situations so Ithink they are working very well as a team and that's the situation.
"In six games, we didn't concede a goal. It's very important and oneof the main keys why we are qualified for the final."
Qatar had viewed the Asian Cup - and the Copa America later this year- as final tune-ups for the home World Cup but the chance to lift amajor trophy is a significant achievement in its own right.
One player who will not be going home empty handed regardless of thefinal outcome is striker Almoez Ali, who tops the scoring chart witha record equalling eight goals.
"We don't look at the statistics: You could win 1-0 today and lose3-0 tomorrow," Ali told the governing body AFC. "Everything we did sofar is one thing, but what's coming up is more important.
"The final needs patience, so if we are patient, play well and forgetabout everything we did so far, only then will we win the final."
Qatar will again be without fans on Friday and what neutrals in thestadium are likely to back Japan, who have picked up as thetournament progressed.
A series of - often unimpressive - single-goal victories ended in thesemi-final with a 3-0 dismantling of favourites Iran.
"I think we showed a great performance, kept another clean sheet,scored three goals, but one more to go, so we have to show even moredesire and passion to be ready for the final," said captain MayaYoshida, part of the victorious team in 2011.
Moriyasu noted before the tournament Japan were out to "reclaim" thetitle they conceded in Australia four years ago.
"That's what everyone expects from us," Yoshida said. "We have to bechampions. We have to win every time in Asia."
