Paulo Bento sees room for improvement after UAE VAR intervention in win over Hong Kong

UAE manager Paulo Bento sees the glass as half full after the national team survived several anxious moments during their opening clash of the 2023 Asian Cup before beating Hong Kong 3-1.

Two of the UAE's goals came from VAR-ruled penalties, while a late Hong Kong goal was chalked off after the referee checked the screen at the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar.

Bento said he was not too worried about his team’s reliance on penalties to secure victory.

“If a team is being awarded penalties, it means they have repeatedly entered the opponents’ penalty area and given them trouble. That’s not easy to do,” said the Portuguese.

“Penalties are part of set-piece play and many historic matches have been decided by them, so I don’t think having to rely on penalties has any negative connotation.

“Moreover, I am very pleased with the outcome of the match as it helped us achieve our main target – to come back with three points.”

Hong Kong are ranked 150th in the world by Fifa but they held their own against the UAE.

Ali Kasheif gathers #UAE squad in huddle in front of supporters & gives a pep talk. Players had already thanked fans for their support.

Three points & on to the next. #AsianCup2023 pic.twitter.com/SqaZsCL0aT

The UAE went ahead as referee Muhammad Taqi was called to the pitch-side screen to rule on a possible handball in the box by Hong Kong defender Oliver Gerbig. After a lengthy check, a penalty was given and duly converted by Sultan Adil.

Hong Kong levelled four minutes after the break, Philip Chan bundling home an Everton Camargo cross.

The UAE regained the lead almost instantly through Zayed Sultan as he slotted the ball into an unguarded net.

As the clock ticked down, Hong Kong pushed for a second equaliser,