DOHA (Qatar): Renowned Dutch coach Bert Van Marwijk was thrilled to see his side United Arab Emirates (UAE) pull off a comfortable 3-0 win over Yemen at the 24th Arab Gulf Cup here on Tuesday night.
“Our team played well in different positions, but we could have scored more,” Van Marwijk said.
Van Marwijk, who led Saudi Arabia to 2018 World Cup qualification before leaving in September last year over a contract dispute, is one of the high-profile coaches in this tournament.
The regional competition is a big challenge for the 67-year-old after UAE’s twin losses in the 2022 World Cup qualifier, first away to Thailand last month followed by a defeat against Vietnam in Hanoi two weeks ago.
UAE, winners in 2007 and 2013, have two tough group games against Asian champions Qatar and Iraq.
“We will take one match at a time,” added Van Marwijk, who guided the Netherlands to second behind Spain at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
On Iraq’s 2-1 win over Qatar, he said, “There’ll be no impact on us. We’re prepared well.”
UAE has come here without key playmaker Omar Abdul Rahman, who is recuperating from an injury.
Besides, the Emiratis are without Waleed Abbas and Ali Salmeen.
Despite their absences, the Whites were in good nick against Yemen after Ali Mabkhout hat-trick (21’, 38’, 54’) helped them to a flying start in the competition. UAE will face Iraq on Friday and take on the hosts on Monday.
