AFC Asian Cup - UAE 1 Australia 0 - Match Report
UAE seal their place in the final four thanks to a 1-0 win over Australia
You can watch the Live Match Stream of UAE Vs Australia via beIN CONNECT
Match Report
Defending champions Australia crashed out of the 2019 Asian Cup in the quarter-finals after losing 1-0 to hosts United Arab Emirates, with Milos Degenek's second-half error proving costly.
Neither side truly stood out in an even contest, but a hapless defensive error with 22 minutes to go allowed Ali Ahmed Mabkhout to score the winner and set up a semi-final with Qatar.
Although the Socceroos made a lively start, UAE improved as the first half progressed and ultimately crafted the better chances.
UAE's productivity in the final third had little to do with what proved to be the winning goal, however, as Degenek gifted them the chance and Mabkhout took full advantage.
It was a particularly sweet win for UAE, who were defeated by Australia in the semi-finals four years ago.
Australia almost made a flying start, but Trent Sainsbury headed over from eight yards despite being unmarked in the fourth minute.
UAE went close to capitalising halfway through the first period, only for Mat Ryan to make an important block to deny Ismail Al Hamadi after a darting run into the box.
Australia had an even luckier escape on the stroke of half-time – Mabkhout sending a powerful header just over the bar when he looked certain to score.
The Socceroos upped the ante after the interval and went close a couple of times – the lively Chris Ikonomidis shooting wide from Aziz Behich's cross just after the hour.
And UAE took advantage a few moments later, as Mabkhout pounced on Degenek's feeble back-pass, skipping past Ryan and slotting into the empty net.
The game stretched into the 101st minute due to several UAE players going down with injuries, but Australia could not use that to their benefit, as Alberto Zaccheroni's men held on.
Goals
Goal! UAE strikes! Ali Mabkhout taps in from close range!
Live Updates
Preamble
It's a sellout in Al Ain!
Tickets for 🇦🇪 v 🇦🇺 are no longer available. Only ticket holders will be granted access. Please arrive early - gates open at 17:00! #AsianCup2019 pic.twitter.com/ktzJCsTAha — #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 25, 2019
Tough talk from Socceroos boss Graham Arnold!
Graham Arnold has shared his final words ahead of our Quarter Final. #AsianCup2019 #GoSocceroos #UAEvAUS pic.twitter.com/ZcjIMPA0Mt — Socceroos (@Socceroos) January 25, 2019
The atmosphere is building nicely in Al Ain!
Warmups underway! 🇦🇪🆚🇦🇺 KOs in 30 minutes. #AsianCup2019 pic.twitter.com/x0WNik6afr — #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 25, 2019
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