UAE hunt for goals and fans continues ahead of Asian Cup, but Amer Abdulrahman shines

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  • (UAE Football Association).

    The UAE’s troublesome preparations for hosting January 2019’s Asian Cup have continued after a goalless draw with Bolivia made it one win from their last nine matches.

    This, continued, unpropitious run of form should deeply concern coach Alberto Zaccheroni and his UAE Football Association paymasters. It was not all negatives, however, on Friday at Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium.

    Here are the talking points:

    WHAT THEY’D GIVE FOR A GOAL

    In little more than a year under Zaccheroni’s care, the Whites have rarely been a good watch.

    In Dubai this weekend though, there was an ebullience and physicality apparent that has been, often, glaringly absent. A tournament-ending injury to 2016 AFC Player of the Year Omar Abdulrahman is a cruel blow, yet this month’s unavailability of playmakers Khalfan Mubarak and Rayan Yaslam allowed for an injection of raw pace.

    In the middle of the 4-3-3 formation, Al Ain’s Amer Abdulrahman (more on him later) rocked the crossbar with a thunderous volley and Al Wasl’s Khamis Esmail embarrassingly miscued with the goal at his mercy. On the flanks, Shabab Al Ahi’s Ismail Al Hammadi and Sharjah’s Saif Rashid provided an injection of energy.

    It is now incumbent on striker Ali Mabkhout – who went closest with a second-half header – to replicate his unflinching club form. It’s now just two goals in his last seven international run-outs – both coming in September’s rout of minnows Laos.

    WHERE IS THE CROWD?

    A friendly with Bolivia, officially South America’s worst team in World Cup 2018 qualifying, would always struggle to get the pulse racing.

    But this cannot fully excuse or explain thousands of empty seats this weekend.

    A return of eight goals in Zaccheroni’s 16 matches doesn’t help. Neither does Amoory’s injury.

    Both Emiratis and expatriates are needed to buy into next year’s event. Organisers should be concerned ahead of January 5’s big kick-off versus Bahrain.

    MIDFIELD MASTER

    This was far from a perfect display by the UAE.

    Dealing with the high ball remained an issue and Bolivia substitute Jhasmani Campos struck the base of the post at the death.

    But the performance of Amer Abdulrahman was a real plus. In the first half alone, he hit the woodwork and cleared off his own line.

    This was a demonstration of grasping responsibility freed up by Omar Abdulrahman’s – no relation – absence.

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