Zlatko Dalic warns UAE must be ready for Oman Gulf Cup test after Qatar draw

Zlatko Dalic, the coach of the UAE national football team, has warned that the UAE must be prepared for a challenging semi-final match against Oman in the Gulf Cup tournament after their 1-1 draw with Qatar. Although Qatar's equalizer came late in the game, it was not enough to deny the UAE their top spot in Group B, where they secured the position through goal difference.

Dalic's perfect start to his coaching career in the UAE came to an end with the draw against Qatar. His team had been playing well in the previous matches against Yemen and Bahrain, but this draw marks a change in fortunes. Despite the setback, optimism remains high for the team as they push for their third Gulf Cup title.

In response to the Qatar match, Dalic shuffled his lineup ahead of the semi-final against Oman, acknowledging the need for his players to recover and prepare for the upcoming knockout matches. He emphasized the importance of managing their fatigue as they will face five games in a span of 13 days in harsh weather conditions.

The match against Qatar saw Ali Saleh score a crucial goal in stoppage time to level the scores. The coach expressed satisfaction with the young players' performance and their contribution to the team's success so far. Looking ahead to the semi-final, Dalic acknowledged Oman as a strong national team and vowed to do their best in the next match.