The debate about whether Akram Afif is the greatest player Qatar has produced now feels largely settled. The 29-year-old forward scored four and racked up fifteen assists during what was a rather average qualifying cycle by his lofty standards, but he came alive when it mattered. Two assists in the decisive clash against the UAE were his latest in a series of clutch performances in a Maroon shirt. 

Possessing the kind of quality that led opposition coaches to praise openly during the last two Asian Cup triumphs, Afif has repeatedly proved that the extraordinary remains available to him in a way it simply is not for most players at the Asian level. On the back of a stinging 2022 campaign at home and establishing himself as the talisman ever since, expectations will be to translate that continental exhibit onto the world stage. Qatar will need Afif to show up, yet again.