United Arab Emirates coach Alberto Zaccheroni is focused on clinching top spot in Group A as the Asian Cup host aims to book a place in the last 16 when it faces Thailand.
Having drawn against Bahrain before beating India, Zaccheroni's side needs just one point from its final group game to secure progression to the knockout stages.
UAE sits in pole position at the moment, a point ahead of both Thailand and India, which faces Bahrain in Group A's other game on Monday.
And Zaccheroni believes UAE's performance in its 2-0 win over India last time out indicated that the tournament host is growing as a side.
"First of all, we are so happy that we won the last match and nearly qualified the UAE team to the last 16," Zaccheroni told a news conference in Al Ain on Sunday.
"But our focus will be high on achieving the top spot and qualifying without looking or considering the result of the other match.
"The development of our performance is slow, but our ambition is to play well and show our best performance. Our progress is gradual.
"After this stage we will play against stronger teams in a knockout stage, but, for me, the players are fully ready.
"In terms of performance, the team is progressing. And I hope the performance will progress further and in the coming match you'll see something else."
Thailand sacked coach Milovan Rajevac following a 4-1 defeat to India in its opening fixture, and interim boss Sirisak Yodyardthai oversaw a 1-0 win over Bahrain in his first match in charge.
Zaccheroni added: "We are playing against a very developed national team with a different style of play, who is competing to win qualification to the last 16.
"For me, the match won't be easy. We need to perform at our best level, better than our previous matches."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
UAE – Ali Mabkhout
Ali Mabkhout has been preferred to Ahmed Khalil up top for UAE, and he wrapped up the win against India with an 88th-minute effort to open his account for this Asian Cup campaign. The Al Jazira forward has been in fine form for his club this term, netting 15 goals from 12 appearances.
Thailand – Chanathip Songkrasin
Having scored eight goals in 2018 for J-League side Consadole Sapporo, winger Chanathip Songkrasin brought that form to the fore against Bahrain will offer Thailand a real threat.
Comments
SHARE