DUBAI 10 January 2019: English giants Manchester United are currently training in Dubai whilst 24 nations compete in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
All 24 nations have received good luck messages from Manchester United FC.
Speaking from the club’s training camp in Dubai, Spanish international and United favourite, Juan Mata, shared his best wishes with the nations competing in the tournament which takes across eight different stadiums in the UAE.
Supporters can still purchase tickets for group stage games, which are easily purchase online via www.asiancup2019.com with prices starting from just Dh25.
UAE players determined to win today
UAE national team manager Alberto Zaccheroni affirmed the players’ determination to clinch a much awaited victory and deliver their best in today’s clash with India.
Zaccheroni extended an apology for the Saturday’s draw, which he said left the fans disappointed. “Players are determined to make up for that against India, who impressed with a 4-1 win over Thailand.”
“The games played hitherto show how competitive the championship is. We truly respect the Indian team but we will leave the fans happy at the end of the match,” he added.
“The fans are the fuel that push us players to get better and better and it is our responsibility to make sure we satisfy them,” said the Al-Wasl midfielder Khamis Esmaeel.
The draw with Bahrain, secured thanks to a last gasp penalty by Ahmad Khalil, means UAE are still masters of their destiny, said Wam.
“We know what the fans want, for us to have a successful tournament. We know they will be behind us when we face India. They don’t need a message or invitation to support us and we too know our role,” added Esmaeel.
Japan 3-2 Turkmenistan
Japan were forced to come from behind and survive a late Turkmenistan rally before sealing a 3-2 win over their Central Asian opponents to begin their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Group F campaign with a vital, albeit narrow, victory on Wednesday.
Trailing 1-0 at half-time, Yuya Osaka’s brace and a goal from Ritsu Doan proved the difference in a game which had seen four-time champions Japan trailing at half-time before a spirited revival ensured all three points for Hajime Moriyasu’s charges.
The result takes Japan to the top of Group F ahead of the day’s later game between group rivals Uzbekistan and Oman in Sharjah.
Uzbekistan 2-1 Oman
Eldor Shomurodov struck five minutes from the end to secure Uzbekistan a 2-1 win over Oman in their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Group F match at the Sharjah Stadium on Wednesday.
The win took Uzbekistan to second in the standings behind Japan, who defeated Turkmenistan 3-2 in their opening tie earlier on Wednesday.
Oman started aggressively, as they tested the Uzbekistan defence with several surging runs and in the 14th minute, came close to scoring through Ahmed Al Mahaijri’s header which goalkeeper Ignatiy Nesterov brilliantly saved.
Up next for Uzbekistan are Turkmenistan on Sunday, while Oman will look to keep their campaign on track against Japan on the same day.
