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Jonathan White

The remaining spot in the AFC Asian Cup 2019 final is up for grabs on Tuesday night when the hosts take on neighbours Qatar in Abu Dhabi.
It is an unexpected pairing, even more so considering the teams they beat in the quarter-finals: holders Australia and favourites South Korea.
But here they are and a chance for a historic final – Qatar have never been this far and the UAE only once when they reached the final in the 1996 tournament when they were hosts.
Waiting for the winner in the final is four-time champions Japan after they stunned favourites Iran 3-0 in the first semi-final on Monday night.


Qatar’s performance in the UAE is all the more remarkable given that they are not meant to be there.
The UAE is one of the Gulf nations to follow Saudi Arabia’s lead in cutting ties with Qatar over allegations that the 2022 World Cup hosts support terrorism, allegations Doha has consistently denied.
Just to get to the tournament the squad had to fly via Kuwait because of the air blockade on flights from Qatari airspace into the neighbouring UAE.
Asian Cup expansion has worked even with India’s dramatic defeat breaking Blue Tigers hearts

Local fans are queuing up for the much sought after #AsianCup2019 semi-final tickets between and pic.twitter.com/XzLSK4H6uR
— #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) 27 January 2019

So we have the second “Blockade Derby” of this Asian Cup and the UAE side will hope to do what Saudi Arabia could not and beat Qatar.
Felix Sanchez’s side have won every game and in Almoez Ali they have the tournament’s leading scorer – the young striker only needs one more goal to match Ali Daei’s record of eight.
The UAE’s progress has been slightly less smooth but they are unbeaten and beat the holders after pouncing on a mistake.
These sides have not met for four years and that was in the last Asian Cup in Australia. The UAE won 4-1 on the way to a quarter-final loss to the hosts and eventual winners.
Juventus and AC Milan Saudi Arabia Supercoppa overshadows Asian Cup while highlighting sportwashing, regional strife

#AsianCup2019 current top scorer Almoez Ali is just ONE goal away from equaling Ali Daei's 1996 record for most goals in a single tournament! pic.twitter.com/iWHDqNe5t9
— #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) 27 January 2019

It will be a packed Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium after the Abu Dhabi Sports Council bought all the remaining tickets to hand out to “loyal” fans.
After reports that non-Emiratis and women were being turned away, authorities said tickets were open to all, but some have seen it as a move to block Qatari fans from cheering their team on.
Thousands of fans queued for hours to pick up their free tickets.
Qatar are ranked as Asia’s 13th best team while the hosts are the eighth best. Neither is meant to be here but they are one game from playing for the trophy.
Asian Cup: China adventure ends in tears as Marcello Lippi fires parting shot at players

Video of Emiratis lining up to get free tickets for Asian Cup semifinal with Qatar on Tuesday. Abu Dhabi authorities bought all remaining tickets for locals following host UAE’s win over Australia on Friday. pic.twitter.com/aStGYOeEbl
— tariq panja (@tariqpanja) 27 January 2019

HEAD TO HEAD
Fifa ranking: Qatar– 93, UAE – 79
AFC Ranking: Qatar– 13th, UAE – 8th
Asian Cup best: Qatar 5th (1984, 1988) UAE runners-up (1996)
Semi-final appearances (since 1996): Qatar– 0, UAE – 2 (1996,)
Previous meetings: Played 27 - Qatar wins 12, draws 6, UAE wins 9
Prediction: Qatar 2-1 UAE
Odds: Qatar win $1.91, draw $3.30, UAE $4.75
Where to watch: Fox Sports (channel 670) from midnight (Hong Kong time).
Asian Cup: China’s Feng Xiaoting dropped to Guangzhou Evergrande reserves for mistake in loss to Iran

“There are players who shed tears hoping to wear the shirt. Your role now is to represent the people.”
Former @QFA International @LAmy_7 with an inspirational message for the current Qatar team ahead of their historic #AsianCup2019 semi-final vs UAE. pic.twitter.com/hi92QxKjZb
— #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) 27 January 2019



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AFC Asian Cup 2019

What Asian Cup action can I watch today? Odds, preview, prediction, schedule, channel for Qatar v UAE semi-final

Oman's football team participates in a training session in the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi ahead of the AFC Asian Cup. Photo: AFP

Sport

Football

Hosts are looking for first return to final since they finished runners-up on home soil at 1996 tournament
Qatar have never reached this stage but will face a hostile crowd amid blockade


Hosts are looking for first return to final since they finished runners-up on home soil at 1996 tournament


What Asian Cup action can I watch today? Odds, preview, prediction, schedule, channel for Qatar v UAE semi-final

Hosts are looking for first return to final since they finished runners-up on home soil at 1996 tournament Qatar have never reached this stage but will face a hostile crowd amid blockade

Hosts are looking for first return to final since they finished runners-up on home soil at 1996 tournament

Qatar have never reached this stage but will face a hostile crowd amid blockade