Australia's Milligan rooting for UAE

Al Ain: Australia’s Mark Milligan has thrown his support behind the United Arab Emirates in their quest for a first-ever AFC Asian Cup title after his side’s 1-0 quarter-final defeat at the hands of the tournament hosts on Friday.

Milligan has close links with the hosts, having spent two seasons playing club football in the UAE and he praised Alberto Zaccheroni’s side after they eliminated the defending champions.

The UAE saw off the Socceroos when Ali Mabkhout capitalised on an error by Milos Degenek to score the only goal of the game and avenge a semi-final defeat at the hands of Australia four years ago.

“Full credit to the UAE for the win, they were waiting to do that and I wish them all the best,” said the midfielder, who played for Baniyas from 2015 to 2017. “I have a big soft spot for this country and I know a few of the players. If it’s not us, then I hope they go forward and do well.”

The 33-year-old was a regular for Graham Arnold’s team throughout their time at the AFC Asian Cup, featuring in all five of his side’s games during their involvement in the competition.

Milligan believes the hosts, who will face Qatar in the semi-finals on Tuesday, can go further with the backing of the home fans as they look to reach the final for the first time since the tournament was last held in the UAE in 1996.

“We knew they would be strong, especially at home because they have a lot of support,” he said. “They have some good individual players and they were disciplined in the way that they played against us. Obviously we’re very disappointed that we’re not going forward but I wish them well.

“They need to keep bringing in the big crowds to support them because they’re a different team when they have a good following behind them. I think they need to stay disciplined and I wish them luck.”


Source: the-afc.com