The 2023 Asian Cup came to an exciting conclusion as Qatar emerged victorious, clinching the title for the second consecutive time. In a thrilling final match against Jordan, Qatar secured a 3-1 victory with Akram Afif scoring a remarkable hat trick of penalties.
Throughout the tournament, many players left their mark on the games. However, compiling a definitive Team of the Tournament is no easy task, considering the varied criteria for selection. Factors such as statistical dominance, individual brilliance, contribution to the team's success, and compelling narratives all come into play.
When assembling a standout tournament team, it's crucial to strike a balance between functionality and cohesion. The challenge lies in finding the right blend of players while avoiding a disjointed, attack-heavy lineup. It's inevitable that some players may be placed out of position to accommodate exceptional performances.
While players may not give much thought to these lists, their on-field success speaks for itself. Ultimately, it's important to recognize and honor excellence. So, here is ESPN's Team of the Tournament for the 2023 Asian Cup:
Goalkeeper: Meshaal Barsham (Qatar) - Barsham's outstanding performance in the final and throughout the tournament earned him the title of the best goalkeeper of the competition. His crucial saves, including three penalties in the shootout against Uzbekistan, played a significant role in Qatar's title defense.
Honorable mentions: Jo Hyeon-Woo (South Korea), Mathew Ryan (Australia), Khalid Eisa (United Arab Emirates), Rustam Yatimov (Tajikistan)
Defenders: Seol Young-Woo (South Korea) - Seol showcased consistency and versatility, starting in various positions and delivering exceptional performances. His attacking prowess and ability to create chances contributed greatly to South Korea's success.
Honorable mentions: Aziz Behich (Australia), Mohammed Waad (Qatar), Zafarmurod Abdirakhmatov (Uzbekistan)
Lajami (Saudi Arabia) - Lajami's strong tournament went somewhat unnoticed amidst Saudi Arabia's early exit. He played a vital role in their defensive fortitude and made several crucial interventions throughout the competition.
Honorable mentions: Shojae Khalilzadeh (Iran), Abdullah Nasib (Jordan)
Harry Souttar (Australia) - Souttar anchored Australia's defense and played a significant role in their solidity at the back. His aerial presence and recovery abilities impressed, making it challenging for opponents to penetrate the Australian defense.
Honorable mentions: Lucas Mendes (Qatar), Kim Min-Jae (South Korea)
Midfielders: Weiss (Syria) - Weiss played a crucial role in Syria's journey to the knockout stages. He exhibited defensive fortitude and contributed to the team's chance creation, interceptions, and recoveries. Despite their elimination on penalties, Weiss stood out as one of Syria's top performers.
Honorable mentions: Ramin Rezaeian (Iran), Saud Abdulhamid (Saudi Arabia), Musab Al-Battat (Palestine)
Sam Ghoddos (Iran) - Ghoddos anchored Iran's midfield, showcasing his work rate and ball recoveries. He played a significant role in Iran's victory over Japan, pressing the goalkeeper and leading to a crucial equalizer. Despite being 30 years old, Ghoddos remains an important player for Iran's future campaigns
