The United Arab Emirates (UAE) national team is set to face Qatar on Wednesday in their final round-robin match of the Gulf Cup, aiming to maintain their winning momentum. Both teams have already secured their places in the semi-finals, each accumulating six points from their opening two fixtures. The UAE currently holds the top spot in the group rankings based on goal difference.
UAE coach Zlatko Dalic has emphasized that despite the guaranteed progression, the squad is focused on finishing the group stage undefeated. “Everyone realizes the importance of this clash, and we are seeking victory,” Dalic stated. He noted plans to rotate the squad, offering rest to frontline players and testing bench depth to manage the physical demands of playing every three days. He stressed, “We must make some changes and grant opportunities to new players while maintaining our style.” “The atmosphere in the squad is positive and there is great harmony among players. We will field the most suitable squad.
Defensive vigilance remains a priority for Dalic. Although the team defeated Yemen 4-0 and Bahrain 3-0, the coach remains wary of Qatar’s offensive capabilities. “We must be extra careful in the defence and at the same time we can try out different options in the attack as this match will serve as a prelude to the semi-final,” he explained.
UAE player Ali Saleh echoed the sentiment, noting the team’s intent to impress the fans. “We don’t want any kind of leniency as this is an opportunity for us to do the dress rehearsal for the knockout stage,” Saleh said.
Qatar’s coach, Julen Lopetegui, acknowledged the challenge posed by the UAE and highlighted the importance of focus. “They have become more dangerous under the new coach because of his vast experience. We must focus on ourselves and mind the small details,” Lopetegui remarked. Like his counterpart, he indicated a desire to provide playing time to squad members ahead of the semi-finals. They are also a strong contender for the title.
Regarding the tactical deployment of Akram Afif, who has featured in a new role, Lopetegui expressed confidence: “Akram made a number of sacrifices by playing in this role, and he is a player who is capable of scoring. I am happy with his performance and the performance of the rest of the players.” Qatar captain Hassan Al Haydos added that while preparations for the final group match have been standard, the team is prioritizing player fitness and testing squad rotations. We are focusing on the fitness of the players and trying to test the players who have not got enough chances so far”.
In Group A, Saudi Arabia is also preparing for a crucial final preliminary match against Iraq. The Saudis are unbeaten, having previously defeated Kuwait 1-0 and Oman 3-0. Assistant coach Serafeim Anglenas confirmed the team’s goal to secure the top position despite some injury concerns. “We aim to win tomorrow’s match, and we want to finish top of the group. We need to see how we can perform in absence of top players because of the injuries,” Anglenas noted. “We are going to play a big match against the Qatari team and we want to give our best. And we want to continue working on the same approach and deliver our absolute best,” he concluded, we are ready for all possibilities in the semi-finals. Our full focus is on the match and we are not thinking about the semis.
Beyond the pitch, the Gulf Cup Football Federation’s Executive Committee held a meeting in Jeddah, chaired by President Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al Thani. Mohammed Abdullah Hazzam Al Dhaheri, General Secretary of the UAE Football Association, attended the proceedings. Mohammad Abdullah covers major sports event like FIFA WC, Cricket WC and Formula One.
The committee formally addressed and approved the bid submitted by the Iraqi Football Association to host the 28th edition of the Gulf Cup. Iraq was the sole bidder for the tournament, and the committee awarded them hosting rights in accordance with the federation’s established regulations and standards.
