UAE CONFIDENT OF A WIN
abu dhabi — The 23rd Arabian Gulf Cup final will be a strong and a tough nut to crack, coach Alberto Zaccheroni said in Kuwait City on Thursday.
On Friday, the UAE will face Oman to pocket their third title. And Italian coach Zaccheroni is in a relaxed mood. His confidence is largely due to the clean sheet maintained against Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Iraq till the penalties happened. Zaccheroni has gauged his team’s strengths and weaknesses well.
“The final is a very important match. It will be such a strong game. We have prepared well for
I would like to thank the UAE authorities for all the necessary support they have provided to the team Alberto Zaccheroni, UAE coach
this game and I am confident that we will win,” he said during a press conference.
Offering moral support — in the form of 12th man — will be the legions of Emiratis at the Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium. It will be an army of fans in an away match and the coach noted the significance of their presence.
“I would like to thank the UAE authorities for all the necessary support they have provided to the team and for flying the UAE fans to attend the game,” Zaccheroni said.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Khalid Eisa said he was always confident about reaching the final. He noted
We haven’t conceded a goal which is a good record to have for me and the team Khalid Eisa, UAE goalkeeper
the young players have improved with each match.
“The development is clear in the performance of the team. We are ready for Oman.”
He noted the Gulf Cup as ‘very important’ for the UAE.
And talking about the game plan, he said: “We have to play collectively as a team and not as individuals. We are a strong team and our focus now is to take the Cup home. The plan is to absorb the pressure and score when the opportunity is there.”
Apart from the trophy, Eisa wants to end the tournament with a clean sheet.
“I was disappointed to let in the second penalty in the shootout. We haven’t conceded which is a good record to have for me and the team.”
And if need arises, the experienced keeper is ready to tackle another shootout.
“I am well-trained for penalties. I am ready.”
The stage is set and now the countdown begins for a 9pm encounter. And this is surely a not-tobe-missed moment for one and all.