World Cup 2022 Asian Qualifiers: Why does UAE have the most advantages to top Group G?
(Baonghean.vn) - With a 4-0 victory over Malaysia, coach Bert van Marwijk and his team have closed in on Vietnam's top spot in Group G, only 2 points behind.
After 5 matches, UAE has 9 points, equal to Thailand and Malaysia, but has played 1 match less. They only need to win all 9 points in the remaining 3 matches with Thailand, Indonesia andVietnam team, UAE will certainly take the top spot in Group G. A task within reach of coach Bert van Marwijk and his team.
First is the advantage of playing at home. As we know, at this time, the climate in the UAE is extremely uncomfortable with temperatures often above 40°C. Having to play in such hot weather conditions, players from Southeast Asia such as Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia find it difficult to adapt.
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| UAE players celebrate their goal against Malaysia. Photo: Thanh Nien |
Next is the advantage in terms of force. Currently, coach Bert van Marwijk owns a squad with a series of good players from powerful clubs not only in the UAE but also in Asia such as Al-Ahli Dubai, Al-Jazira... Not to mention, UAE has just had the service of 3 naturalized players: Fabio de Lima, Caio Canedo and Sebastian Tagliabue.
Witnessing what Ali Mabkhout and his teammates did against Malaysia (64% ball possession, 14 shots), it can be affirmed that the UAE at the present time is completely different from the erratic UAE nearly 2 years ago. Also because of the poor performance in the first leg (losing to Thailand and Vietnam), coach Bert van Marwijk was fired by the UAE Football Federation.
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| It is likely that Vietnam and UAE will compete head-to-head for the top spot in Group G. Photo: Dan Tri |
However, due to not finding a suitable replacement to sit in the "hot seat", the host team of the 2019 Asian Cup had to "reunite" with the Dutch strategist. This is considered an opportunity to "atone for one's sins" for coach Bert van Marwijk and his colleagues.
With the above advantages, Vietnam's most dangerous direct competitor is not Thailand or Malaysia, but the host team UAE. Although they are behind Thailand and Vietnam in terms of points, coach Bert van Marwijk and his team have other great advantages./.
