Salmeen eager for UAE to succeed on home soil
28th January 2019
Abu Dhabi: Dynamic United Arab Emirates midfielder Ali Salmeen has revealed that the prospect of winning the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 title on home soil is providing motivation aplenty ahead of Tuesday’s semi-final showdown with Qatar.
Under the wily guidance of head coach Alberto Zaccheroni, the UAE - who finished third at the competition’s 2015 edition in Australia - head into the game at Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium looking to emulate the nation’s achievements in 1996 when, as hosts, they reached the final.
Having not lost to Qatar since 2001, hope is now high among Emirati fans that the nation's current generation can at the very least emulate the heroes of yesteryear, with the importance of doing well at home not lost on Al Wasl favourite Salmeen.
“We are very well prepared for this important game, and our focus is purely on the match,” explained the talented 23-year-old who has been an ever-present at UAE 2019.
“We need to beat Qatar so that we can reach the final. It is true to say that it is a crucial game, not only because it is a semi-final, but also because it is in our own country.
“Although we have Khalifa Mubarak and Mohamed Gharib missing through injury, we will do our utmost to ensure that we do not miss them. Rest assured, we will be doing everything we can to beat Qatar and qualify for the final.”
Semi-final - Qatar v UAE: Coaches thoughts
UAE fans have come out in large numbers to support their heroes since the tournament began on January 5, and with a full house expected for the game against Qatar, Salmeen is confident both he and his teammates will draw further inspiration from their presence.
“I do not think that our fans need a rallying cry because they have been with us from the beginning,” he said.
“They are the strength which can inspire us on the pitch. At our last game [against Australia] they came in large numbers so I hope even more will attend the semi-final with Qatar.”
Source: the-afc.com