UAE warned that strong start will be vital at Asian Cup

The UAE have emphasised the importance of starting strongly at the 2023 Asian Cup after they were drawn against Iran, Hong Kong and Palestine for next year’s tournament in Qatar.

The national team, semi-finalists in the past two editions, were placed in Group C at Thursday’s ceremony at the Katara Opera House in Doha. The tournament has been moved to Qatar from January 12-February 10 following China’s withdrawal last September as summer hosts.

The UAE, sitting 72nd in the current Fifa world rankings, will kick-off their quest for a first continental crown against Hong Kong, at 147th the tournament’s second-lowest ranked side, on January 14, before taking on Palestine four days later.

They round off their group campaign against Iran, Asia’s No 2-ranked team at present and three-time champions, on January 23.

The top two teams in each of the six groups progress to the last 16, alongside the four best third-placed sides.

“The group’s not going to be easy, but the system is the first two qualify, and then best No 3s,” Taco Velde, director of the technical and national teams department at the football association, told The National in Doha.

“So that means the first match against Hong Kong is vital. Hong Kong are progressing a lot, investing a lot in their national teams. They have a Norwegian coach, Jorn Andersen who is bringing his own style.

That’s Group C complete! Three-time winners Iran make up the pool.- Iran- UAE- Hong Kong- PalestineTough group. #AsianCup2023 pic.twitter.com/8BQdc813GQ

“And Palestine is an upcoming country. They are 93 in the world rankings, and they beat Bahrain recently in a friendly. So out of Pot 3 they’re maybe one of the best teams – that no one necessarily expects. They will be very motivated,