UAE thrash Yemen 4-0 in Gulf Cup group stage

Dubai witnessed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) delivering an impressive opening performance in their 27th Arabian Gulf Cup campaign. The team secured a resounding 4-0 victory over Yemen in their inaugural Group B match at the Alinma Stadium in Jeddah. Nicolas Gimenez, the UAE's star midfielder, scored twice in the match, starting with a goal in the 26th minute.

Just ten minutes later, Yemen's Nader Sahal managed to net a goal for his team, but it was quickly undone by the UAE. Luan Pereira, another UAE player, scored a third goal before halftime, further cementing the UAE's dominance in the match. Gimenez added his second goal six minutes into the second half, sealing a comfortable victory for the UAE.

The UAE's strong start was evident in their control of the game, as they dominated possession with 61% of the ball and took 12 shots on goal, while Yemen managed only two attempts, none of which found the back of the net. This victory puts the UAE at the top of Group B, which also includes Qatar and Bahrain, with the top two teams advancing to the semifinals.

The UAE are aiming for their third Gulf Cup title, having won the competition in 2007 and 2013. However, they have not won the tournament since 2013. Zlatko Dalic, the newly appointed coach of the UAE national team, took charge in August and was eager to put his squad through its paces in this competitive setting.