After the tortures of 2017, the first week of the new year provides Alberto Zaccheroni’s miserly UAE with a shot at soothing silverware.
The Whites’ enervating presence under their new Italian coach at the Gulf Cup continued in Tuesday night’s goalless semi-final against Iraq.
A forgettable match of precious opportunity – extending their run from the group stages that included three clean sheets and a solitary effort from the penalty spot – was decided in fitting fashion via a shootout, Al Ain goalkeeper Khalid Essa’s opening save from Alaa Abdul-Zahra and ex-Al Ahli prospect Human Tariq’s awful effort allowing the unlikely figure of Al Wahda right wing-back Mohammed Al Menhali to secure a spot in Friday’s final against Oman.
Prior to this, rare shots of adrenaline were provided by goalkeeper Jalal Hassan’s fine fingertip save from Al Jazira hot shot Ali Mabkhout in the 90th minute and Al Ain centre-back Mohanad Salem’s diligence on the line in extra time to repel substitute Abdul-Zahra’s header.
Possession was also shared equally between sides who last met in September. The Lions of Mesopotamia then dealt a killer blow to the severely depleted UAE’s slim hopes of making World Cup 2018 thanks to a 1-0 victory as qualifying wound-up under Edgardo Bauza – much more than just the identity of the man in charge has altered since that depressing meeting.
This controlled display in Zaccheroni’s trademark 3-4-3 formation was light years away from the youthful side who electrified in victory at the 2013 edition under Mahdi Ali. But their new supremo will also point to the fact such defensive diligence absent under his immediate predecessors led to debilitating failure by the ‘Golden Generation’ to make World Cup 2018.
It would also kill any hopes of fulfilling the UAE Football Association’s target to make the final on home soil during January 2019’s Asian Cup.
A highlight of a poor first half in Kuwait City saw Al Menhali rob Tariq, his low, close-range effort being pushed onto the post. The second half continued in the same draining vein, replacement Ismail Al Hammadi’s driving run teeing up Mabkhout for a near miss.
Extra time saw Abdul-Zahra denied from the off, Tariq’s wild shot ill-timed versus ceaseless opponents. It was then left to Al Menhali to gain the limelight – a third Gulf Cup triumph is close.
