"Football is a funny old game" is a complete understatement if last week's events in the President's Cup are anything to go by.
The first semi-final saw second-from-bottom Emirates Club take on Al Wahda. There has rarely been a game so dominated by one team. Statistics don't lie. I couldn't believe what I was watching, it was the most one-sided game of football since Scotland played an Estonian side that failed to show up for a match. The goal came in the fourth minute of injury time and courtesy of the world's most dodgy penalty.
Al Wahda coach Josef Hickersberger looked bemused during the post-match interview, scratching his head and shrugging his shoulders more than speaking. So well done Emirates Club and if they can win the final there will once again be the clang of chins hitting the floor all over the country.
The other semi-final would have been a massive shock if it wasn't for the even bigger surprise the day before. Al Shabab held their defensive line and their nerve in the penalty shoot-out. Al Jazira were awful having all three of their powder-puff penalties saved. The final will be a surprising combination of Emirates Club v Al Shabab.
This weekend, Al Jazira get the chance of revenge quickly as they face Al Shabab in Dubai. I can't see them having the same problems twice in one week. Al Wahda face champions Al Ahli which could prove to be a tough encounter as they look to keep pace with their city rivals.
I think the Al Nasr and Al Ain game should be the pick of the weekend games as both teams like goals, Al Nasr conceding more than scoring most of the time but it makes for entertainment all the same.
World Cup rematch
Yesterday night saw a rematch of the 1990 World Cup teams of West Germany and the UAE take place. It's always interesting seeing how players age once they finish playing. It is often hard to believe they were actually professional athletes. Lothar Matthaeus is an exception to that rule and still looks in tremendous shape. In 1990, legend had it that every player who scored for the UAE in the World Cup would receive a Rolls-Royce. I wonder if that offer still applies in 2010. I think that would make the most out-of-shape athlete run faster.
Family fun day
A reminder: The family fun day is at Sharjah Football Club on the Saturday before the Emirates Club game. Lots of things to do for all the family at a bargain Dh10. The game kicks off at 5.15pm and if you get there earlier you can make use of all the facilities beforehand. This includes a drumming session so even if your child doesn't make it as a footballer you could find out you have the next Phil Collins on your hands.
Match facts
Shots: Al Wahda 22 Emirates 3
Possession: Al Wahda 67% Emirates 33%
Corners: Al Wahda 10 Emirates 0
Final Score: Al Wahda 0 Emirates 1
UFL fixtures
Thursday
Ajman v Al Dhafra (1715)
Al Shabab v Al Jazira (2000)
Friday
Al Sharjah v Emirates (1715)
Al Nasr v Al Ain (2000)
Saturday
Al Ahli v Al Wahda (1715)
Bani Yas v Al Wasl (2000)
