Abu Dhabi: Majed Nasir, the UAE custodia, was in a class of his own leading his team to earn a valuable point following a goalless tie with Iraq, the reigning Asian Cup champions in the competition of the second group of the 20th Gulf Cup in Yemen.
Nasir denied the Iraqi players all chances including a penalty kick only four minutes before the end of the match blocking brilliantly the spot kick of Iraqi captain and striker Younus Mahmoud which was awarded to Iraq following a handling of the ball by Fahad Fraish.
The UAE’s second string team applied a formidable defensive plan and was successful in splitting the points with the more experienced and more physically strong Iraqi team which featured the same line up that won the 2007 Asian Cup.
Srecko Katanec, the UAE head coach, started with Majed Nasir in goal, Khalid Sabeel, Fraish, Waleed Abbass and Yousuf Jaber in defense. Amer Mubarak, Subait Khater, Ali Al Waheebi and Maher Jasim in midfield while Ali Mabkhoot and Saeed Al Kass featured in attack.
Iraq did the most attacking as the UAE were content with defending and organizing some fast counter attacks led by Al Waheebi and Jasim but they were unsuccessful to score.
Iraq’s most serious chance, other than the penalty, was a free kick in the 51st minute by Hawar Mulla Mohammad but Majed saved brilliantly for corner while the UAE’s most dangerous chance came in the 68th minute when substitutes Esmail Al Hammadi, who replaced Maher, sent Mohammad Abdul Rahman , the replacement of Mabkhoot, clear with only Mohammad Qasid, the Iraqi custodian, but Qasid blocked Abdul Rahman’s shot for a corner.
The UAE will face reigning champions Oman on Friday while Iraq will play against Bahrain.
