Group leader UAE to take on Iraq today
In the other match of the day at the ongoing Arabian Gulf Cup Qatar 2019, group leader UAE will take on the Iraqis in what promises to be the most exciting match of the day.
The winners would secure a place in the semis, no matter what happens on the last day of the group matches.
The Emiratis beat Yemen 3-0 in their opening match, bringing some much-needed calm to Bert van Marwijk’s side.
"The result of that game (Yemen) has no impact on the team; we deal with each game separately,” the Dutchman said. "The match between the UAE and Iraq will be different."
Van Marwijk, however, was pleased with UAE’s performance against Yemen, with the win coming after they had suffered back-to-back defeats against Thailand and Vietnam in Group G of the Asian qualifiers.
"Our team has performed well in all the different positions, and the players carried out what we asked of them. We could have scored more than three goals had it not been for missed opportunities," Marwijk said.
Meanwhile, Iraq coach Strijko Katanec said his team will not get carried away with their victory against Qatar.
The Slovenian had lamented the inadequate preparation of his team ahead of the Gulf Cup, due to players’ commitment to their local clubs.
The feisty Katanec who had 11 outfield players a day before the opener, hopes for a repeat win against the UAE.
"Football is like this, Qatar was better with us but they did not score goals and we scored. I am realistic and realize that (Friday's) game is very difficult and the players have to show all their potential to win, and I hope that the scenario of Qatar will be repeated again," Katanec said.
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