Top defence prevented goals: Misfer

Muscat: Dr Abdullah Misfer, the assistant coach of the UAE, has said that the outstanding defences of both the UAE and Qatar had deprived both teams as yet from winning sufficient points to secure a place in the Gulf Cup semifinals.

"Both teams have not commit defensive mistakes which denied them the necessary goals. Both have to win their remaining matches to earn places in the semifinals." Misfer told Gulf News.

"The UAE and Qatar know everything about each other and they showed great respect for each other which prevented them from making attacking gambles which could have cost them dear.

"We were better in the first half and they played good soccer in the second. Now both of them should win their last match in the first round to go further in the competition."

And about their next opponents Saudi Arabia, Misfer said, "The Saudis are one of the best teams in Asia and their strength is in their midfield and front line-up which features Malek Mouaz and Yasir Al Qahtani.

"We are also a good team and we have our ways of dealing with them. We have to win the points and we are capable of achieving that as we did two years ago in the semifinals."

The UAE beat Saudi Arabia by a single goal scored by Esmail Mattar to reach the finals of the 18th Gulf Cup on their way to lift the cup.