United Arab Emirates 

The United Arab Emirates have reached the semi-finals of the Asian Cup on the last two occasions and yet despite those results the Whites have never truly been considered a part of Asia’s elite.

What to expect

But there is reason for optimism heading to Qatar. The UAE have been playing well under new coach Paulo Bento and with Brazil-born Caio Canedo and talisman Ali Mabkhout they have plenty of firepower in the final third.

Old problems however could persist: do they have enough mettle and the right mentality to take on the continent’s powerhouses?

The UAE’s entire squad is home-based, which brings limitations of its own. Group A’s opponents, including tournament favourites Iran and Palestine, mean that the UAE have to be on their game from the get-go.

Star player

With over 80 goals to his name in the national team shirt, Ali Mabkhout remains the UAE’s marquee player, even at the age of 33.

Plying his trade at Al Jazira, he is the national team’s all-time leading scorer, with 85 goals from 115 matches. He won the Golden Boot at the 2015 Asian Cup with five goals and he added four more on home soil four years ago, but Mabkhout is about more than simply scoring. With his deft movement, he knows how to tee up other players as well.

Manager 

Paulo Bento became the manager of the UAE in July and led the team to six consecutive wins, the week before the finals kicked off the team’s unbeaten streak came to an end with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of neighbours Oman.

Bento has had little time to implement his philosophy and style and the Asian Cup will represent a significant step up for the team. He may also have to battle the short-term thinking that so often clouds the decisions of the local FA, but can draw on his rich international experience, having coached his native Portugal and South Korea.

Bento guided the Koreans to the last 16 of the World Cup last year, a feat the Taegeuk Warriors had last achieved in 2010.

Schedule 

Sunday, January 14, 2024, 2:30 pm: United Arab Emirates – Hong Kong – Khalifa International Stadium, Doha

Thursday, January 18, 2024, 5:30 pm: Palestine – United Arab Emirates – Al Janoub Stadium, Doha

Tuesday, January 23, 2024, 2:30 pm: Iran – United Arab Emirates – Education City Stadium, Doha

Squad