West Asia

UAE Ready To Defend Gulf Cup

UAE are keen to defend their Gulf Cup title over the next two weeks in Oman but they also know how tough it will be.

Jan 4, 2009 2:15:32 AM

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Haidar Alo Ali, Korea-UAE

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The holders are in Oman and kick off their defence against Yemen on Monday.

Mohammed Khalfan al Rumaithi, the president of the UAE Football Association, is confident that the team can shine.

“There is no pressure on us,” Al Rumaithi told The National.

“Of course, we are going to Muscat to defend our title, but that is not going to put us under any pressure.

“Instead, it will act as a motivation to win the tournament again, especially since we won the Gulf Cup after such a long wait.

“We also have a lot of players who did not participate in the previous championship, but witnessed the honour and appreciation accorded to the winning team members.

“As we see it, there is no difference between participating in a tournament to defend champions or winning the title. Our aim is to return with the cup. I am optimistic and the team are confident as well. We are working as one.”