Mitch Freeley

2019 Asian Cup winners Qatar received a rambunctious welcome on their return to Doha on Saturday evening.

The squad, who defeated Japan 3-1 to lift their first ever Asian Cup were greeted by Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who gifted the side with ceremonial wreaths. The full squad then stood and sung the Qatari national anthem to commemorate the historical event.  

The whole side then moved onto an open top bus parade along the Corniche and was greeted by thousands of fans. The bus, which also included the technical staff and coach Feliz Sanchez stopped half-way for an impromptu rendition of the national anthem led by defender Abdulkarim Hassan along with a fireworks display to welcome the triumphant side back to the country. 

The squad is now expected to make further stops at the Aspire Zone, along with a banquet hosted by the Amir of Qatar.