UAE must beat Vietnam in Under 19s tonight - then hope

It is win or bust for the UAE against Vietnam in the final group match of the Asian Under 19 Championship in China.

It is win or bust for the UAE against Vietnam in today's final group match of the Asian Under 19 Championship in China (kick-off 10.30am).

To reach the quarter-finals, Jume Rabee's defending champions must register a win and hope that Jordan do not beat already-qualified Japan by a bigger scoreline. Rabee's side lost their opening match to Japan 2-1 and were held to a scoreless draw by Jordan.

The UAE coach has blamed the lack of time between games - matches have been held every other day - for hindering his players. "This makes it difficult for us to get players fit again if they have any small injuries," he told the Asian Football Confederation website.

A draw and a favourable result from the other game between Japan and Jordan can see Vietnam qualify. "We are still in this tournament, but the UAE will be difficult because they are the defending champions," said Trieu Quang Ha, the Vietnam coach.

* Agency