Abu Dhabi: United Arab Emirates coach Alberto Zaccheroni indulged in some mind games Monday before the Asian Cup semi-finals, suggesting opponents Qatar were favourites to win.
The Italian, who steered Japan to a record fourth title in 2011, sought to take the pressure off his players before Tuesday’s politically charged clash in Abu Dhabi by highlighting the strengths of 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar. “They are an outstanding side who haven’t conceded a goal yet in this tournament,” said Zaccheroni, whose team stunned holders Australia 1-0 in the quarter-finals.
“Their results even before the Asian Cup were excellent. They are solid in all departments but they have some dangerous individuals too. “They’ve been together for many years,” noted the former AC Milan and Lazio boss before a game that will be bristling with regional tensions over the long-running Gulf blockade of Qatar. “That stability is a source of great strength for them.” The winners of Monday’s semi-final between Iran and Japan await in the final on February 1.
UAE reached the final the last time they hosted the Asian Cup in 1996 and reached the last four in Australia. Zaccheroni promised his side had extra incentive to go one better than in 2015 with key players Khalifa Mubarak and Mohamed Ahmed ruled out of the semi-final through injury. (AFP)