Alberto Zaccheroni 'knows fans are not happy' but says UAE will improve at Asian Cup

Monday's 1-1 draw against Thailand ensured both teams reached the last 16, along with Bahrain

Thailand players celebrate as the UAE look disappointed at the end of their match. All photos by Chris Whiteoak / The National

UAE's Ismaeil Matar thanks the fans.

Thailand interim manager Sirisak Yodyadthai celebrates the draw.

Matar wears a protective face mask while in action.

Ismail Al Hammadi of UAE battles with Tristan Do of Thailand.

Al Hammadi of UAE goes down injured.

Khalfan Mubarak of UAE and Chanathip Songkrasin of Thailand battle.

Mubarak and Tanaboon Kesarat of Thailand battle.

Thitiphan Puangjan scores.

Thitiphan Puangjan celebrates with teammates.

UAE head coach Alberto Zaccheroni during the game.

Mika Chunuonsee of Thailand is stretchered off.

Ali Hassan Ali Salmin, right, of UAE and Teerasil Dangda battle of Thailand during the game.

Ali Mabkhout of UAE scores.

Mabkhout scores.

Fans unveil a banner before the game.

UAE manager Alberto Zaccheroni says he expects his players to perform to a higher level in the knockout stages of the Asian Cup after another uninspiring display against Thailand concluded their Group A assignments.

Monday night's 1-1 draw in Al Ain means the UAE secured first place in the group with five points, one ahead of Thailand and Bahrain, who also both reached the last 16 of the continental showpiece. Bahrain beat India 1-0 in their final match.

Despite topping the group, performances by the national team have been largely underwhelming so far. The hosts needed a last-gasp Ahmed Khalil penalty to rescue a point in their opener against Bahrain and a late Ali Mabkhout strike to kill off India 2-0 last Thursday.

Mabkhout, top scorer at the Asian Cup four years ago, was on the score sheet after seven minutes against Thailand before Thitiphan Puangjan equalised just before the break at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.

Zaccheroni, whose own future in the post has been the subject of speculation throughout the tournament with reports that Croatia's Zlatko Dalic will replace the Italian after the tournament ends on February 1, was less than satisfied with his team’s performance against the Thais.

“In all three matches we controlled them and, all in all, we were better than the other teams,” he said. “But I was expecting a better performance, we scored the early goal and controlled the game but after scoring we conceded the equaliser and we lost concentration and didn’t take advantage of playing at home.

“I know the fans are not happy with our performance and we aspire to do well in the coming stage, taking advantage of playing at home. Our team has solutions and we’ll use those in the coming matches.”

Zaccheroni's mood was in stark contrast to that of his opposite number Sirisak Yodyadthai, who declared himself "very happy" to have guided Thailand to the knockout stages of the Asian Cup for the first time in 47 years.

“Before the game today, I was worried because coming into this match we knew it would be tough against the hosts, but the team was well prepared to play today,” Sirisak said.

“The other game had to be accounted for because it could go either way but here we are, we have qualified and I’m very happy for the Thai fans.”

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Read more:

UAE reach Asian Cup last 16 despite being held to a draw by Thailand

Stephen Constantine predicts bright future for India after stepping down as manager

Bahrain through to Asian Cup last 16 after edging out India in Sharjah

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Thailand’s qualification to the knockout rounds of the quadrennial championship for the first the since 1972 is all the more remarkable given the team's disastrous start.

A 4-1 thrashing at the hands of India cost Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac his job with Sirisak appointed in his place.

Since taking over the reins, the 49-year-old Thai, who worked alongside Rajevac as one of his assistants, has overseen a significant improvement in the team's performances, securing a 1-0 win over Bahrain before Monday's draw against the Emirates.

Thailand finished ahead of Bahrain in second due to a better head-to-head record.

“After the defeat against India, things weren’t looking so good for our team and when I came in and things needed to changed,” he said.

“We inserted determination and motivation into the team and in the last two games I could see the players were determined to do better and get a positive result. I’m very proud and very happy and so grateful that we have made history for the Thai national team.”