The UAE made a strong start to their Arabian Gulf Cup campaign with a convincing 4-0 victory over Yemen at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on Thursday.
Giménez Leads UAE to Comfortable Victory
The Whites dominated the Group B encounter, with Argentina-born attacking midfielder Giménez scoring twice to help secure a commanding victory.
Yemen struggled to contain the UAE’s attacking pressure throughout the match.
The UAE doubled their advantage in the 36th minute when Yemen defender Nader Sahal scored an own goal.
The goal gave the UAE a comfortable 2-0 lead heading into the final stages of the first half.
Luanzinho Adds Third Goal
The UAE continued their attacking momentum in first-half injury time.
Luanzinho, the Brazil-born midfielder from Sharjah Club, scored in the fourth minute of stoppage time to put the UAE 3-0 ahead at the break.
Giménez found the net again in the 51st minute, completing his brace and putting the UAE 4-0 ahead.
Yemen were unable to find a response as the UAE comfortably secured all three points.
UAE Face Bahrain Next
The UAE will continue their Group B campaign against defending champions Bahrain on September 27.
They will then face Qatar on September 30 in their final group-stage match.
The tournament hosts Saudi Arabia are competing in Group A alongside Iraq, Oman and Kuwait.
The top two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals.
The semifinals are scheduled for October 3, while the final will take place on October 6.
The UAE have won the Arabian Gulf Cup twice.
Their first title came on home soil in 2007, while their second triumph arrived in 2013, when they lifted the trophy in Bahrain.
The Whites will now look to build on their impressive opening victory as they continue their pursuit of a third Gulf Cup title.