Majed Hassan eyes Asian Cup title on home soil

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  • Majed Hassan is keen to impress in 2019

    Majed Hassan admits he has his eyes firmly set on the Asian Cup trophy following the AFC announcement naming the UAE as hosts for the 2019 edition of the continental competition.

    Hassan, a key figure in the UAE midfield and a member of the Emirati squad that claimed third place at the Asian Cup in Australia last January, hopes the Whites can capitalise on their home advantage in four years’ time. 

    The UAE made the final the last time they hosted the Asian Cup in 1996 before losing in a penalty shootout to Saudi Arabia, and Hassan hopes they can go one better in 2019.

    Speaking at a press conference at Meydan Hotel yesterday, the Al Ahli midfielder said: “The UAE are no strangers to hosting major football events.

    “We’ve hosted the Asian Cup before, as well as the FIFA U-17 World Cup. It’s something that gives us a lot of pride and it’s also a huge positive for us to play on home soil, amongst our home fans. Hopefully, it will incentivise us to win the title.”

    In the past, the host has gone on to win the Asian Cup on seven of the 16 times the competition has been held, most recently in Australia by the Socceroos.

    Hassan was joined by his coach Cosmin Olaroiu, who guided Saudi Arabia to a disappointing group stage exit in the Asian Cup last January, and the Romanian joked that the Emirati will be “too old” to play in 2019.

    “I’ll only be 26,” the 25-times capped Hassan said in response.

    The UAE’s bid featured six stadiums in three cities. Games will be held at Zayed Sports City and Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium and Khalifa International Stadium in Al Ain, and Dubai International Cricket Stadium plus an under-construction venue in Dubai Sports City.

    A host of FIFA competitions have been held in the Emirates recently including the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2013 and the 2009 and 2010 FIFA Club World Cups.

    Olaroiu believes staging the Asian Cup here could prove a major boost for UAE football and further enhance the sport’s infrastructure in the country.

    “This is something that I hope will make new infrastructure for all football here and this for sure will help develop football in the future in the Emirates,” said Olaroiu.

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