The pressure of being reigning champions has weighed heavy on the UAE during their run to tonight’s semi-final against hosts Saudi Arabia, according to midfielder Habib Fardan.
Mahdi Ali’s men will need to be at their best in Riyadh to rock the hopes of the fervent home supporters and lay the foundations for the nation’s first-ever successful Gulf Cup defence.
The Whites made hard work of securing progression from Group B, a second-half brace from leading marksman Ali Mabkhout in victory against Iraq staving off an early flight home.
That the Al Jazira forward’s vital first was a 30-yard bolt from the blue spoke volumes about a low-key performance.
This laboured tempo was a repeat of the goalless opener against Oman, with only the eye-catching 30 minutes that saw two goals scored in fluid fashion during the 2-2 draw with Kuwait exhibiting them at their finest.
This is in stark contrast to the unstoppable run to victory in Bahrain during the previous tournament, a youthful side making good on the promise shown during the London 2012 Olympics.
Midfielder Habib Fardan, who has impressed twice off the substitute’s bench thus far in the Saudi capital, acknowledged more grit needed to be shown to fight off the target put on their backs by being holders.
He said: “Actually, this tournament is a lot harder because we are the champions from the last tournament and everyone is trying to do their best against us.
“But, we know we have to be stronger than last time and we should do our best. There was a feeling amongst the players that we couldn’t go from the first round.
“We need to get ready for the next game now and we hope we play our best football in this game and, Inshallah, we will do our best to win this game.
“It’s in their field and in front of their fans, but we are looking to win and we hope that Inshallah we get good luck and we win.”
A daunting task awaits at King Fahd International Stadium with the Green Falcons sure to be geared up to set up the chance of a memorable victory on home soil.
The two countries have rarely met in recent years despite sharing a border.
The Saudis have triumphed in the last five meetings – an ominous sign for the UAE coming in the fact that their last meeting was a 1-0 semi-final defeat during the 2010 Gulf Cup in Yemen.
Much has changed in the intervening years, with Al Ahli pair Walid Abbas and Ismail Al Hammadi likely to be the only survivors from that game.
A new generation has come through with Ali and his coaching staff, through the various youth groups.
Years of success has engendered the squad with a sincere belief in their ability.
With this outlook in mind, assistant coach Hassan Al Abdooli insisted the Whites would be going all out for victory in 90 minutes as they “only fear luck”.
He said: “Our strategy is to do everything to finish the game in normal time. We know the weak points and strong points of the Saudi Arabia team – and they know everything about us.
“Inshallah, we hope to continue in the tournament. We only fear luck, not anything else.
“We respect Saudi Arabia and our players. We know our quality, we have been together for more than 10 years from them being youngsters.
“We are the champions, we have strong spirit. We can draw on this spirit to get what we want from the game.”
Players to watch
Saudi Arabia
Nasser Al Shamrani
The diminutive striker is an unflinching performer, his mix of skill and endeavour making him an ideal candidate for the Green Falcons’ lone-striker role. Has scored only once thus far against Bahrain, but his interplay is a joy to behold.
UAE
Ali Mabkhout
Without his four goals, the holders would be at home. Three of these have come from the top drawer. He’ll be absolutely vital tonight.
Team news and likely line-ups
Saudi Arabia
The Green Falcons will welcome back left-back Salman Al Faraj from suspension after picking up bookings in the opening two games. Winger Taisir Al Jassim expected to continue ahead of Fahd Al Muwallad.
Abdullah; Al Mowalad, Os. Hawsawi, Om. Hawsawi, Al Faraj; Kariri, Rashid; Al Jassim, Al Abid, Al Dawsari; Al Shamrani
UAE
There is one change for the UAE, with defensive midfielder Khamis Esmail suspended. Majed Hassan should take his place. Mohamed Abdulrahman has sparkled off the bench, but winger Ismail Al Hammadi should keep his place.
Khaseif; Sanqour, M. Ahmed, Salem, Abbas; A. Abdulrahman, Hassan; Khalil, O. Abdulrahman, Al Hamamdi; Mabkhout
