AFC U23 Asian Cup
Khuat featured for Vietnam in the quarter-finals of the 2022 and 2024 editions of the continental showpiece while Al Memari said UAE are determined to make the semi-finals for the first time.
“I have played in two quarter-final matches before,” said Khuat. “In both games, our team actually played quite well but we lost because of lapses in concentration and unnecessary mistakes.
“Having experienced those two matches, the whole team must learn from those lessons. We will focus on staying fully concentrated, constantly reminding and supporting each other to minimise mistakes and avoid losing focus. Everyone will definitely compete with the highest determination.”
“Having experienced those two matches, the whole team must learn from those lessons. We will focus on staying fully concentrated, constantly reminding and supporting each other to minimise mistakes and avoid losing focus. Everyone will definitely compete with the highest determination.”
Khuat is keen to ensure that Vietnam’s perfect group stage campaign of three wins continues in the knockout stage, with the Southeast Asian side aiming to better the achievement of the 2018 squad which finished runners-up.
“This is my third tournament and we will give our best to ensure that we go even further but that requires thorough preparation. The players always encourage and motivate each other, follow the coach’s tactics and fight together to win and bring glory to our country.”
“This is my third tournament and we will give our best to ensure that we go even further but that requires thorough preparation. The players always encourage and motivate each other, follow the coach’s tactics and fight together to win and bring glory to our country.”
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While Al Memari acknowledged Vietnam’s strengths, the forward said UAE are focused on a debut semi-final appearance.
“Of course, we are happy that we have reached the quarter-finals, but this is not our ultimate goal,” said Al Memari. “God willing, we will continue our journey, starting with tomorrow’s match.
“The Vietnamese team is strong, so we must follow the coach’s instructions and apply them on the field. We are hopeful that we will succeed.”
“Of course, we are happy that we have reached the quarter-finals, but this is not our ultimate goal,” said Al Memari. “God willing, we will continue our journey, starting with tomorrow’s match.
“The Vietnamese team is strong, so we must follow the coach’s instructions and apply them on the field. We are hopeful that we will succeed.”
Al Memari’s two goals in the group stage were pivotal to UAE progressing, notching the opener in the 2-0 win over Qatar in their first Group B tie before scoring in the 1-1 draw with Syria that sealed their last eight spot.
“The group stage is different from knockout matches. We are not looking at the group stage anymore, we have already completed the most important part there, and now our focus is on tomorrow’s match.”
“The group stage is different from knockout matches. We are not looking at the group stage anymore, we have already completed the most important part there, and now our focus is on tomorrow’s match.”
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