The UAE national football team is set to continue its winning momentum in the Gulf Cup as they face Qatar in their final round-robin match on Wednesday. Following victories over Bahrain and Yemen, the UAE has secured a spot in the semi-finals, leading their group with six points, ahead of Qatar, who also have six points but trail due to goal difference, as reported by Gulf Today.
UAE’s Croatian coach, Zlatko Dalic, has emphasised the importance of not becoming complacent despite their current standing. He expressed the team’s determination to enter the knockout stage unbeaten and confirmed their readiness for the crucial match against Qatar.
Dalic stated that the match against Qatar is significant, and the team aims to perform at their best. He also mentioned plans to rotate players to manage fatigue, given the demanding schedule of matches every three days. This strategy will allow him to assess the bench strength while maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
The coach noted a positive atmosphere within the squad, highlighting the players’ desire to keep the winning streak alive. He acknowledged the need for a strong defensive performance, especially against a formidable Qatari attack, despite the UAE’s recent victories by margins of 4-0 and 3-0.
Ali Saleh, a key player for the UAE, echoed the team’s commitment to delivering a performance that would please their supporters. He stressed the importance of treating the match seriously as a preparation for the knockout stage.
On the other side, Qatar’s coach, Julen Lopetegui, also recognised the match’s significance, focusing on the details that could influence the outcome. He indicated that the team is prioritising recovery and is keen to showcase their best performance against a strong UAE side.
Lopetegui mentioned the potential for testing different player positions and giving opportunities to those who have not played much so far. Qatar, like the UAE, has also secured their place in the semi-finals with two wins.
As the teams prepare for this high-stakes encounter, the excitement builds among fans, with both sides looking to assert their dominance in the tournament. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia will face Iraq in another match, with both teams aiming to secure top positions in their respective groups.
In administrative news, the Gulf Cup Football Federation’s Executive Committee recently met in Jeddah, where they awarded Iraq the right to host the 28th edition of the Gulf Cup, following a bid from the Iraqi Football Association.
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