The UAE booked their place in the Gulf Cup semifinals after a convincing 3-0 victory over defending champions Bahrain in Jeddah on Sunday.
The UAE delivered an impressive attacking performance at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium, controlling the Group B match through strong midfield play and effective passing.
Ousmane Gives UAE the Lead
The UAE took the lead in the 30th minute when Ousmane found the back of the net. The goal gave the UAE confidence as they continued to control possession and create opportunities.
Bahrain struggled to deal with the UAE’s movement and passing combinations, particularly in the final third.
The UAE continued their strong performance after the break and doubled their advantage in the 66th minute through Guilherme.
Ali Saleh then sealed the result in the 88th minute, giving the UAE a comprehensive 3-0 victory.
The win followed the UAE’s 4-0 victory over Yemen in their opening Group B match on Thursday.
UAE Lead Group B
The UAE now have six points from two matches and sit at the top of Group B. Qatar also have six points after defeating Yemen 1-0, but the UAE lead the group because of their superior goal difference.
With Bahrain and Yemen eliminated from the semifinal race, the UAE’s final group match against Qatar on September 30 will decide the group winner.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals.
UAE head coach Zlatko Dalić was pleased with his team’s performance, while also acknowledging Bahrain’s experience as defending champions.
Dalić said the UAE did not expect to score three goals against a Bahrain side led by experienced coach Dragan Talajić.
The Croatian coach, who previously guided Croatia to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final and the 2022 World Cup semifinals, is managing the UAE in his first tournament with the national team.
Bahrain Coach Takes Responsibility
Bahrain head coach Dragan Talajić accepted responsibility for the heavy defeat and defended his players.
The Croatian coach said he takes responsibility for selecting the team and would stand behind his players during difficult moments.
Qatar Also Have Six Points
Qatar kept their hopes of finishing top of Group B alive after securing a 1-0 victory over Yemen.
Both the UAE and Qatar have six points, setting up an important final group-stage meeting on September 30.
The UAE will be looking to maintain their strong scoring record, having scored seven goals in their opening two matches.
In Group A, hosts Saudi Arabia strengthened their position with a 3-0 win over Oman, while Iraq defeated Kuwait 3-2 in an exciting five-goal match.
Saudi Arabia have six points from two games and need only a draw against Iraq on September 29 to finish top of Group A.
Iraq, currently on four points, can secure the second semifinal place with a draw against Oman.
The Gulf Cup semifinals are scheduled to take place on October 3, with the final set for October 6.
The UAE, who previously won the tournament in 2007 and 2013, will aim to continue their strong run and challenge for another Gulf Cup title under Dalić.