Articles
UAE are a tower of strength as they defeat Japan on penalties to reach Asian Cup semi-finals
Mahdi Ali praises team spirit after UAE defeat Japan on penalties to make it to the Asian Cup semi-finals.
UAE coach Mahdi Ali’s passing fancy at the Asian Cup
Japan and UAE are exponents of the same passing game.
UAE goalkeeper Majed Naser is rising above his criticisms at Asian Cup
Al Ahli goalkeeper’s list of disciplinary troubles is well-documented but this is a new Naser, writes Ali Khaled. Written off not long ago as a hot head, he has reinvented himself at the Asian Cup in Australia.
Rating the UAE through the Asian Cup group stage
The UAE will face Japan on Friday in the Asian Cup quarter-finals. The National's Ali Khaled rates the performances of the Emiratis from the group stage as they head into the knockout match.
Omar Abdulrahman cleared for take-off at Asian Cup
Already thrilling the crowds at the Asian Cup, the UAE’s Omar Abdulrahman takes centre stage against Japan.
Japan a huge test but UAE have chance to prove they belong at world level
The UAE's Asian Cup quarter-final against Japan could prove to be the biggest match in Emirati history. Ali Khaled explains why.
Mahdi Ali rages at referee after UAE’s loss to Iran in Asian Cup
The United Arab Emirates coach Mahdi Ali was in no mood for diplomacy after his team's 1-0 loss to Iran at the Asian Cup on Monday.
Rising UAE side have no fear of holders Japan at Asian Cup
Failure to finish top of Group C does complicate things for the UAE, who must head to Sydney on the more arduous route to the final, writes Ali Khaled.
Australia’s Asian Cup defeat to Korea could be a blessing in disguise
Ange Postecoglou had a grim expression after seeing his Australia side lose 1-0 to South Korea and top spot in Group A, leaving them needing to beat Japan to reach the final.
Serkal’s joy at Mahdi Ali’s ‘unique vision’ and Ali Mabkhout’s fastest goal
The FA president is delighted with how the side had performed under the coach in Australia so far, and he was optimistic they could go far in the tournament.
Not UAE’s style to play safe, says Mahdi Ali as he seeks motivation from beating Iran
A negative, play-not-to-lose approach – even if it would seem to improve their chances of avoiding Japan in the quarter-finals – is not how this group of Emiratis play football.
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz hails UAE as ‘best West Asian team’
Queiroz, who is a former UAE coach, said he believed that both sides would go all-out for the victory but acknowledged he was wary of picking up injuries.
South Korea stun Australia to top Asian Cup group
A crowd of 48,513 at Brisbane Stadium were left stunned after witnessing Asian Cup hosts Australia lose 1-0 to South Korea in their final Group A game.
UAE hope to benefit from their depth in defence at Asian Cup
Those questioning the decision to sit Mohanad Salem would do well to remember that Mahdi Ali has consistently said that “there are no reserves in this group”, writes Ali Khaled.
Amer Abdulrahman quietly flying under radar for UAE and Baniyas
Baniyas midfielder lacks the star power of namesake Omar but is no less valuable to the national team, writes Ali Khaled
