Que Ngoc Hai vs Ali Mabkhout: The wall against the West Asian spearhead

10 goals, leading the scoring list in the second qualifying round of Asia is enough to show how good Ali Mabkhout of UAE is at scoring goals. 4 of those 10 goals of Ali Mabkhout came in the last 3 matches of the West Asian team. That also shows how convincing the 30-year-old striker is.

At the UAE Pro League 2020-2021 that ended in mid-May, Ali Mabkhout was the top scorer with 25 goals, making a great contribution to helping Al Jazira Club win the championship.

Ali Mabkhout is the most dangerous explosive on the UAE side. Photo: UAE Football Federation

Mabkhout is the best striker in the history of UAE football. Playing for the national team since 2009, up to now, Mabkhout has scored 75 goals in 91 appearances for the national team, 23 goals ahead of the second-placed Al Talyani. For the past 12 years, Mabkhout has always been the leader of the UAE team's attack. This 31-year-old striker is a modern and comprehensive striker. He is good at heading the ball, shoots well with both feet and is especially sensitive in front of the opponent's goal.

Obviously, facing Ali Mabkhout 1-1 is unthinkable. This striker's class is enough for him to surpass any central defender on the Vietnamese team. But of course, that is the story of individual confrontations. In terms of organization, Que Ngoc Hai and his teammates can link up to reduce the "overpowering" level of the striker from the UAE.

But willAli Mabkhoutcan decipher the solid defense commanded by Que Ngoc Hai. Photo: Lam Thoa

Que Ngoc Hai is truly the mainstay of the Vietnamese team. Ngoc Hai's accurate judgment of situations, clever tackling and especially his ability to link up with his teammates around him helps the Vietnamese defense to have good cover and shield situations, thereby limiting the danger from the opponent.

No matter how the defense is assembled, the Korean coach will not ignore Ngoc Hai. Photo: Lam Thoa

Ngoc Hai has played a key role on the national team for many years beforeCoach Parkappointed. But, he has increasingly become a reliable support for his teammates. Under coach Park, Ngoc Hai has played the most matches and the most minutes. No matter how the defense is assembled, the Korean coach does not ignore Ngoc Hai.

As a central defender, Ngoc Hai has contributed to 6 goals for the national team under coach Park. Only the attacking players Quang Hai, Anh Duc, Cong Phuong and Tien Linh have done better than their captain. And in this match, people need Que Ngoc Hai's solidity in defense and his long passes to change the situation from himself.