ABU DHABI • Eight years ago, Japan were held 1-1 by Jordan in their first group-stage game before going on to win the Asian Cup.
Italian Alberto Zaccheroni was the coach of the Blue Samurai then and he is optimistic history will repeat itself for 2019 host the United Arab Emirates.
It was a case of deja vu for the 65-year-old as his UAE side scored a late penalty to salvage a 1-1 draw with Middle East rivals Bahrain at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
Substitute Ahmed Khalil smashed home his spot kick after Mohamed Marhoon handled the ball inside the penalty area, cancelling out Mohamed Al Romaihi's 78th-minute opener for Bahrain in the Group A meeting.
The late goal spared the world No. 79 the indignity of losing to a side 34 places below them in the Fifa rankings, but it would have done little to ease the pressure on Zaccheroni, who has come in for criticism throughout his time in charge of the UAE.
"When I was in charge of Japan, we ended with a draw in the first game of the 2011 Asian Cup against Jordan, then we won the tournament," said Zaccheroni. "The same scenario played out today, as we went behind.
"We had our chances but just couldn't take them. We struggled to supply the forwards at times and the players were getting a little frustrated. But we will have to deal with the pressure and be brave."
Without star playmaker Omar Abdulrahman, who was ruled out of the tournament with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, the UAE lacked cohesion and composure in front of goal, with striker Ali Mabkhout missing several chances. The home side paid the price for their profligacy in the 78th minute when Al Romaihi bundled home after his initial header appeared to have crossed the line.
Jordanian referee Adham Makhadmeh then gave the host a lifeline when he pointed to the spot five minutes from time for what appeared to be an unintentional handball by Marhoon.
Khalil, appearing in his 100th international, displayed nerves of steel to smash the spot kick into the top corner.
Bahrain coach Miroslav Soukup refused to criticise the referee after the late setback.
"You could maybe say it was hard luck," said the Czech. "I didn't see it and I haven't seen the video, but the players were saying it wasn't a deliberate handball - so it's bad luck.
In another Group A match yesterday, Thailand lost 4-1 to India.
REUTERS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
As with life, striking a balance in football is key to success and happiness. On Friday night in Busan, the Socceroos face Korea Republic in a curious clash, where a new-look squad will take on
Need for speed the answer to topple Thailand | Socceroos
Jose Mourinho is under a huge amount of pressure this week after the defeat at West Ham left Chelsea 15th in the Premier League after 10 matches. His continued antics off the field have only made
Napoli stumble at Fiorentina, Martinez gets Inter back winning at Fiorentina, Martinez gets Inter back winning PTI trailing Serie A leaders Juventus by 11 points after Carlo Ancelotti's
Napoli stumble at Fiorentina, Martinez gets Inter back winning
Diehard fans may have to turn to the Internet to watch live broadcasts of the new season, as local TV channels have no chance in broadcast negotiations. It is the first time in many years Vietnam has failed to secure the telecast rights to Europe's biggest club championship.
Obituaries - , - Your Life Moments
Football: Violent England fans in Portugal an embarrassment to team and not welcome, says FA Police clash with England fans in a special fan zone set up for the Uefa Nations League finals in Porto
Violent England fans an embarrassment to the team and not
ǁSubscribe:
Serie A champions Juventus have dismissed reports they are set to make Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola their new head coach, with sporting director Fabio Paratici calling the entire news
Pep Guardiola categorically denies Juventus manager links
Atletico Madrid moved level on points with La Liga leaders Barcelona after Antoine Griezmann's second-half penalty was enough to see off Espanyol 1-0 on Saturday. Griezmann smashed home from the
Antoine Griezmann fuming with Barcelona squad after they
VALENCIENNES, France (REUTERS, THE GUARDIAN) - Barbara Bonansea scored twice to give Italy a surprise, last-gasp 2-1 victory against Australia in their opening Group C game at the women's football
Soccer: Italy upset Australia with Bonansea double - gcf-vn.org
President Anil Murthy (right) is seem welcoming midfielder Francis Coquelin to the club both better going forward than defending but Valencia play with such a well-drilled 4-4-2 that the
Valencia CF Official webpage - Valencia Club de Fútbol
en.valenciacf.com
Página web oficial del Valencia CF. Toda la información del Club. Noticias, calendario, venta de entradas, fotos, vídeos y servicios a los aficionados. Amunt Valencia
Valencia CF - Wikipedia
Italian Side Inter Milan have completed a deal that will see Antonio Conte becomes their new manager, according to Fabrizio Romano.The former Chelsea boss has reportedly signed a three-year contract that will see him earn €12 million per season.
How Antonio Conte could affect Chelsea and - football.london
Liverpool title bid hit by Matip injury. Agence-France Presse. 12 December 2018. Reblog. Share. Tweet. Share. Liverpool defender Joel Matip has been ruled out for up to six weeks. More.
0 comments:
Post a Comment