The 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar trounced United Arab Emirates (UAE) 5-0 in a quarterfinal match on Friday evening to qualify for the Fifa Arab Cup semifinals.

The defending champions will play in the semifinal against either Morocco or Algeria on 15 December at Al Thumama Stadium.

Also Read : QATAR COACH WARNS TEAM AGAINST RIVALS UAE IN FIFA ARAB CUP QUARTERFINALS

It took barely six minutes for Qatar to show that they mean serious business in this quarterfinal game at Al Bayt Stadium in front of many fans.

Striker Akram Afif scored the opening goal after being put through one-on-one with UAE goalkeeper Ali Kasheif.

Some 22 minutes later, Qatar earned a penalty which Almoez Ali converted.

Six minutes later, Qatar earned yet another penalty but this time around the decision needed VAR check.

The check confirmed the decision to award the penalty which Qatar converted again through Boualem Khouki.

The hosts added two more goals through Abdulaz Hatem and Afif in the late stages of the opening half.

In an earlier quarterfinal, Tunisia overcame Oman 2-1, according to Fifa website.

In the third and fourth quarterfinals tomorrow, Algeria face Morocco and Egypt take on Jordan