Qatar, looking to cap their year with the FIFA Arab Cup title, went into the match as the favourites after a perfect record of three wins in Group A.

UAE, on the other hand, were looking to upset the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions after advancing as the Group B runners-up.

Qatar, however, raced off the blocks and their early pressure paid dividends as UAE's Ali Salmin netted into his own net.

The early goal boosted Qatar as they pressed hard, doubling their lead in the 28th minute through Almoez Ali's penalty.

A VAR review in the 36th minute saw Qatar awarded another penalty, with Boualem Khoukhi stepping up to convert.

To the delight of their fans, Abdulaziz Hatem made it 4-0 in the 40th minute but Qatar were not done yet, with Ali scoring his second of the night in first half stoppage time.

With their place in the semi-finals sealed, Qatar took their foot off the pedal in the second half as they set their sights on their last four challenge.

Photos: FIFA via Getty Images