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Gulf Rivals UAE and Qatar kick-off Group C of the Asian Cup in Canberra tonight in what promises to be a tight affair that could play a major role in deciding the outcome of the group. Join The Roar from 6.00pm AEDT for live blog coverage of the match.
The UAE and Qatar are two sides very much in red-hot form at the moment. Qatar are on an undefeated run since September including a historic first win over the Socceroos and a win in the Gulf Cup of Nations tournament in Saudi Arabia in November.
UAE currently sit 85th in the FIFA World Rankings, with October’s draw against the Socceroos triggering an impressive run of form which has seen them lose only two of their nine matches since.
One player set to be included for Qatar is very familiar to Australian audiences. Khalfan Ibrahim (Al Sadd, Qatar) scored the goal in their friendly win over the Socceroos, and has shrugged off injury concerns to take his place in the line-up tonight.
The 26-year-old’s inclusion is a huge boost for the Qatari side, as he is a constant threat in the attacking third.
UAE have brought a squad to Australia which contains a core group of players in the their mid-twenties who will be gaining experience that should hold them in good stead for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Many of the team have been together since the 2010 Asian Games, played at the 2012 London Olympics, and were in the successful 2013 Gulf of Nations winning side.
Young strikers Ali Mabkhout and Ahmed Khalil are regarded as two of the most exciting talents in the domestic competition of the UAE.
Watch out for them as they could create plenty of headaches for opposing defences.
Qatar’s Asian Cup preparations have been fairly smooth despite only recently changing coaches.
Former Algerian international Dejamel Belmadi was handed the reigns shortly before the draw of the Asian Cup.
Since the Gulf of Nations, they have beaten Estonia (3-0) drawn 2-2 draw with Oman in and beating New Zealand Premiership side Team Wellington 3-1 in Canberra.
Likely Result:
Both sides have enjoyed smooth preparations in Australia, and are difficult to split on paper. Don’t be surprised if this one ends in a highly competitive draw.
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