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.
1-all
Bondy
Guest
langou The tempo to this match was quite slow or poor, lethargic really. I dont feel overall these two nations are going to concern to many in the tournament ..
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Thanks for joining The Roar tonight. Enjoy the rest of your evening.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
The Asian Cup action continues tonight with Iran and Bahrain clashing in their opening round match of Group C. Group C continues on Thursday with the UAE taking on Bahrain, and Qatar facing off against Iran.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
UAE send out an early warning to their Group C rivals with a comprehensive 4-1 win. Their young strikers Ahmed Khalil and Ali Ahmed Mabkhout had a field day with each netting a brace. UAE lifted in intensity in the second half and Qatar simply couldn't go with them. Although they were gifted 2 goals courtesy of some absolute howlers from Qatar's 'keeper there is no denying that the UAE deserved the points tonight.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
FULLTIME UAE 4 def QATAR 1
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Three minutes of stoppage time will be played.
jamesb
Guest
Two attackers against three defenders plus the goalie, yet somehow UAE get their fourth. Qatar's for and against is taking a battering.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
89' GOAL UAE That will do - lovely interchange of passes between Omar Abdulrahman and Mabkhout who combined like they were playing FIFA 15, and Mabhkhout bangs it in for his second off the evening. UAE 4 QATAR 1
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
87' Beautiful touch from Omar Abdulrahman who flicked it on to Mabkhout to get through one-on-one. Qasem is off his line again to make a fine save. UAE 3 QATAR 1
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
84' UAE make their third and final change. 11. Ahmed Khalil comes off to thunderous applause after his brace. 4. Habib Fardan Abdualla is on for the final minutes of this match. UAE 3 QATAR 1
jamesb
Guest
Now the Qatari goalie wants to play like René Higuita.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
82' Qasem saves the day for Qatar rushing off his to line to make a crucial save on Mabkhout who managed to spring the offside trap and was through on goal. UAE 3 QATAR 1
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
81' UAE finishing the match the stronger, they still look really fit. UAE 3 QATAR 1
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
78' Both sides content to just whack the ball down route 1 at the moment. UAE looking more committed in defence. UAE 3 QATAR 1
Official crowd of 5,513 at Canberra stadium
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
75' That was lovely variation on the corner from UAE. Qatar completely went to sleep, and the UAE took it short and whipped it in, but no one could connect for the final touch. UAE 3 QATAR 1
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
71' Qatar throwing bodies forward as they search for a way to get back into the contest. UAE 3 QATAR 1
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
68' Changes aplenty - UAE make a double change, and Qatar make their third and final substitution. 16. Mohamed Abdulrahman (off) 15. Ismail Al Hamadi (on) 5. Amer Abdulrahman (off) 17. Majed Hassan (on) Qatar 19. Mohammed Muntari (off) 9. 9Meshal Abdullah (on)
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Sub Qatar: 10. Khalfan Ibrahim (off) 17.Ismaeel Mohammad (on)
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
60' Yellow Card UAE - A. Alkamali goes into the books. UAE 3 QATAR 1