UAE's Portuguese coach Paulo Bento looks on during the Qatar 2023 AFC Asian Cup Group C football match between Palestine and United Arab Emirates at the Al-Janoub Stadium in Al-Wakrah, south of Doha on January 18, 2024. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP)
Doha, Qatar: Head coach Paulo Bento highlighted intelligent play and humility as qualities his UAE side need if they are to get a result against Iran in their third match of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 today.
The UAE currently sit second in the group with four points to their name, but a defeat at Education City Stadium and other results going against them could see Bento’s men exit the competition in the group stage for the first time since 2011. After a convincing 3-1 win over Hong Kong, China in their opening fixture, the UAE were held to a 1-1 draw against Palestine in a game they finished with 10 men after defender Khalifa Al Hammadi was sent-off in the 37th minute. Bento also received a red card just before the final whistle, meaning he will be suspended for the Iran clash.
“Preparation for this match is going as normal,” said Bento.
“We are trying to recover as much as possible. The last game was difficult for us especially after minute 37 when we started playing with one player less. That was an important factor for sure. We prepared our strategy for the next game against one of the strongest teams in Asia and the strongest in our group.”
And while Iran were one of the first teams to book their place in the next round, head coach Amir Ghalenoei acknowledged some problems faced in their last game against Hong Kong, China, insisting his side will not take things easy against the UAE today. “We are happy we were able to qualify to the next round,” said Ghalenoei.
“Tomorrow’s game will not be easy because we want to win and qualify to the second round as leaders. UAE are in a good condition under Paulo Bento, and it will not be an easy match, Also Palestine still have a chance to qualify and because of the spirit of fair play, we want to play at our best too.
“Every player in the team knows they should have their best individual performance in order for us to be successful.” AFC
Group C - Iran vs UAE
Unbeaten Iran: Iran are undefeated against UAE in the AFC Asian Cup with four wins and a draw, having not conceded once in the meetings. No team has played more games without conceding against an opponent in the competition’s history.
Impressive: Iran have won 10 of their last 11 AFC Asian Cup group stage games since the 2011 edition, outscoring their opponents 22-2.
Tough defence: UAE have not conceded more than one goal in their last eight AFC Asian Cup group stage games since the 2015 edition, though they kept just one clean sheet in that period. They conceded multiple goals in five of their previous nine such ties from 2004 to 2011.
