[ASIAN CUP] Host Qatar beat Kuwait, 3-0, to reach the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup and match its best performance in the continental tournament of 11 years ago. The win -- the second after an opening defeat -- had its French coach, Bruno Metsu, aiming for the championship.

“We will strive to get the trophy and it is our right to dream and as you know I am a big dreamer," he said. “We are very satisfied and happy with this qualification. For us the Asian Cup starts now. It transfers from a mere accumulation of points to aiming for the trophy."

Before 30,000 fans at Khalifa Stadium, Qatar cruised past Kuwait on early goals by captain Bilal Mohammed and Mohamed El Sayed and a free kick from substitute Fabio Cesar.

Qatar needed at least a point to overtake China and claim second place in Group A behind Uzbekistan, which won the group with a 2-2 tie against the Chinese.

Qatar had lost to Uzbekistan, 2-0, in the opening game, and Metsu was thankful for the support from the Qatari federation.

“I would like to take this opportunity to say thanks to all Qatar officials for their trust in me after losing the first match against Uzbekistan," he said, "and they did not resort to actions like the Saudi soccer federation."

The Saudis fired their Portuguese coach, Jose Peseiro, after their opening loss.