Hosts United Arab Emirates with a draw in the final round of the 17. Asia Cup started. The Team from the Arabian Peninsula benefited from a late spot-kick.
The team of the Italian Coach Alberto Zaccheroni came on Sunday against Bahrain at the start of the Asian Cup after going behind to a 1:1 (0:0). In the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium Am in Abu Dhabi, Mohamed Al Rohaimi (79.) the selection of the small island state in the lead.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), third in the previous edition in the year 2015, had over the entire season more game shares (65 per cent) and also the greater chances. However, Bahrain to put the hosts with his Counter-attacking again and again, and had in addition to the leadership hit, two further good margin opportunities, completing you, but unfocused.
Veteran Khalil hits late
The UAE came through veteran Ahmed Khalil (88.), the be 100. Game for his Team denied from the penalty spot, only to compensate. However, the decision of the arbitrator, to decide on the penalty spot, was highly controversial.
For the first time, 24 teams will take part in the Asia championship. The game is played in six groups of four, the group of first and -second and the four best group third qualify for the round of sixteen. The final match on 1. February is also increasing in the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium.
jst/fab (sid/Red)