Sport | Football
UAE players dedicate win to fans
All those who saw the UAE players dancing and saluting their fans after their 3-2 victory over Kuwait on Tuesday night must have realised that the jubilation was not only for winning the match.
- By Yasir Abbasher, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:36 May 3, 2009
- Image Credit: Reuters
- United Arab Emirates' Esmail Mattar is challenged by Kuwait's Nawaf Al Mutiqy (right) during their crucial Group A tie in the Gulf Cup in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
Abu Dhabi: All those who saw the UAE players dancing and saluting their fans after their 3-2 victory over Kuwait on Tuesday night must have realised that the jubilation was not only for winning the match.
There has been an overwhelming sense of relief for the UAE players that they could stay on in the tournament as hosts and also because it eased some of the pressure they felt from their fans and the media before the crucial match against Kuwait.
Esmail Mattar, the MVP of the match who scored two goals, said: "It was a difficult encounter and we thank the Almighty that we emerged winners against such a good team like Kuwait.
"It was vital to win this particular match because it would help us in the crucial battles ahead. I would like to dedicate this victory to our loyal fans who played a spectacular role to help us beat Kuwait."
Fahad Masoud expressed his gratitude to the fans. "They were really the best players for our team. We promise them to do even better in the semi finals."
Faisal Khalil, who returned to the team after his recovery from injury and scored a goal, said: "The team played their best match in the tournament but we are capable of more. I do believe that we will improve in the semi finals. I was happy for the fans. It would have been a sad night for them had we lost the match."
Hilal Saeed, back to the team after serving a one match suspension, said that team work was the secret behind their victory. "It was a difficult encounter as both teams had a chance to reach the finals. All my colleagues were determined not to lose the match and we played like one. Our mutual understanding and fighting spirit was behind our victory."
Waleed Salem, the former first choice custodian whose injury prevented him from playing in the tournament, lauded the performance of his colleague Majid Nasir.
"Majid played brilliantly and saved many goals. We will do our best to realise the dreams of our fans."
Waleed, who confirmed that he had fully recovered and was training with the team, was awaiting the call from his coach Metsu but added: " It is not important who plays as long as he is doing a good job. I do believe that Majid is doing an excellent job."
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