Bookended by their most successful Asian Cup on foreign soil and their hosting of the competition in January, UAE’s golden generation was supposed to be set to dominate over the last four years, only to come up short in their pursuit of returning to the World Cup for the first time in nearly 30 years. With their glowing stock grinding to a halt through injury and lack of form, their proposed triumphant house party looks to be this generation’s grandest of all missed opportunities.
2015’s Asian Cup third place run from the United Arab Emirates was a delight to witness. A side, full of exuberance and talent, hitting their peak all at the same point, under a manager that knew them inside and out. The feelgood factor on display, especially upon culmination of that emphatic penalty shoot victory over Japan in Sydney has given them a special place in Asian football history. What was supposed to follow, was a dominant four years of progress, where they’d grow from strength to strength. In the end that really hasn’t materialised.
A limp progression through Round 2 of World Cup qualification, trailing behind Gulf neighbours Saudi Arabia, Round 3 rounded off their cycle by truly illustrating their squad's deficiencies. The tried and trusted formula implemented by former boss Mahdi Ali had run its course, the nation’s depth or lack of rotation at key points of the campaign left them way off their primary aim of making it to Russia.
Since then, over a year has passed, onto a third manager in that time (Edgardo Bauza’s stint was brief and irrelevant), with former Japan boss Alberto Zaccheroni stepping in to set up the national side for their hosting of the continent’s biggest prize. His tenure has barely got going in truth; sixteen matches in, he’s only accrued four wins, whilst only scoring nine goals (three of which were against Laos). A more than fortunate run to the final of last winter’s Gulf Cup apart, masked what has been to date an uninspiring struggle.
A fair question, would be - who could do a better job? Zaccheroni is a coach with a wealth of experience in Italian football, and while his spell as Japan manager emphatically collapsed in Brazil at the 2014 World Cup, his preparation for the tournament was widely held as a success. He’s tinkered with the Emirati tactics, ran through vast waves of players, widely disregarded by the previous coach, and trusted youth where he can, but little seems to be working.
UAE’s reliance for too long now has focussed on the holy trinity of Omar Abdulrahman, Ahmed Khalil and Ali Mabkhout. One being the best Asian player still playing on the continent, two of them former winners of the AFC Player of the Year accolade in the last four years, whilst the other has scored 90 league goals over the last four years since collecting the golden boot at the last Asian Cup. Three players whose rise through the youth ranks side by side promised so much, but over the last cycle has rarely come to fruition in Emirati white.
Despite heavy pressure from an expectant Asian football fanbase post their 2015 success, none made the move to Europe. A wider problem in Emirati football, but keenly felt here when the three best footballers of a generation are refusing to test themselves on the grandest stage, you’d be forgiven in asking yourself who ever will? A loss of form, fitness and in the end a hammer blow of an injury to Abdulrahman on the eve of the tournament, leaves the UAE national side heading to their pinnacle event, in potential ruin.
Replacing Abdulrahman is an unenviable task, given his influence on the side. The style of play, often slow in build-up, possession to feet in the final third, all plays to “Amoory’s” strengths. There are very few players with that sort of quality with their foot on the ball, anywhere in Asia, let alone in the UAE. With no real like-for-like replacement, the likes of Khalfan Mubarak and Saif Rashid have been tested in the run up to the Asian Cup, a shift to a more collective and quick attacking approach is a necessity that must be instilled if Zaccheroni is to make use of his options.
Ahead of them, Khalil, who has drastically been in need of minutes, following a number of ill-advised moves, looks to be returning to form of old upon his homecoming to Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai in the last few months. Mabkhout, the focus of the attack (with 44 in 65 caps), has also shrugged off a couple of limp seasons by his own high standards, to start the current Arabian Gulf League campaign in decent form. If both can transition a replica of their 2015 form to this 2019 edition, two out of the holy trio is considerably better than none.
Through Zaccheroni’s tactical shifting, defensively UAE remain solid. Over Zaccheroni’s 16 matches in charge, 10 clean sheets have been secured, whilst boasting an unblemished goal in competitive competition over that time. The personnel has differed, yet the experience of Ismail Ahmed and the returning form of Mahmoud Khamis in front of the enigmatic but increasingly secure Khalid Eisa, makes for a decent set up that should see them through the early stages.
Considering the draw, UAE will hope to replicate a fellow host nation heading into their own tournament in poor form. At this summer's World Cup, little to no one expected anything of Russia, but a lot of it came courtesy of a favourable group stage draw and a buoyant home support. In the first regard, UAE as seeded hosts will back themselves to win out, especially with a potential lucky loser spot available. Progression as group winners, would also leave them on the easier side of the draw. It’s no wonder hosts usually succeed, is it?
The second point however, is much more of an unknown, and a crucial testing ground of this national team’s legacy. Home support is hardly something you think of when considering Emirati football, and with the continental showpiece heading to their shores, Zaccheroni’s men will hope they can count on their backing to be an extra advantage. With subdued expectations of early ticket sales, with little in the way of marketing being pushed on the ground, this remains a moot point in Asian Cup preparations however.
Key Men
Head Coach - Alberto Zaccheroni (ITA)
Well known Italian manager, who had an extensive career as a club coach in his homeland, before moving to Asia with Japan, who he coached at the 2014 World Cup. Has had a mixed time in charge of UAE, struggling for personnel options, whilst tinkering heavily tactically. Was reportedly close to being sacked in the last few months, only to survive for a lack of credible suitors.
Star Player - Ahmed Khalil
AFC Player of the Year in 2015, the Emirati striker has continued to bring his very best performances when playing for the national team despite struggling domestically. Averaging a goal every other game over a near century of appearances, he’s regularly been the player they can rely upon most for goals. Has found club form and fitness hard to come by in recent years but has now returned to where it all began with Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai.
Under Pressure - Ali Mabkhout
The third pivot of the magical trio, Mabkhout’s domestic success has often been his hindrance on the national stage, failing to regularly deliver since a scintillating Asian Cup in Australia. With Abdulrahman out, and Khalil struggling for fitness, can Mabkhout become the Emiratis talisman and replicate some of his stunning club form, in his nation’s showpiece?
Young Prospect - Khalfan Mubarak
Tasked with replicating Omar Abdulrahman’s output, Khalfan Mubarak’s accelerated reputation needs to ramp up yet another level. The 23-year-old midfielder has given the home fans hope he can go some way to deliver that sort of impact, with undoubted vision, quick interplay and a more direct approach to his play, he could be the stand out young player of the tournament.
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