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Abu Dhabi: The UAE's head coach, Bruno Metsu, expressed unlimited confidence in the abilities of his players to win tonight's encounter in the semifinals of the 18th Gulf Cup. "The semifinal features the best four teams in the tournament. Everyone knows the capabilities of the others. We respect the Saudis and their great achievements in the regional and continental football, but I do have complete confidence in my players' capabilities to win the match," Metsu said yesterday. "It will be a difficult match, but winning is not impossible. Our players are ready for the game and realise the importance of victory. Our supporters have played a fantastic role in cheering us to earn promotion to this stage and the players are determined not to let them down.
"The Saudis have been lucky in all three matches as they have never played against a full team. In their opener, Bahrain lost two players, in the second match Qatar lost one and the Iraqis lost a defender in the first half while the Saudis were awarded a controversial penalty," Metsu added. Metsu said that he would not disclose the list of his players or his strategy but he said, "We have be at our best to beat them." Meanwhile, Mohammad Omar, the team captain, said: "Our team have regained belief in its capabilities and the players are in high morale and they are determined to win." Metsu is expected to start with Majid Nasir in goal. Adil Abdul Aziz, Rashid Abdul Rahman, Basheer Saeed and either Hayder or Fahad on the right side of defence.
Hilal Saeed, Abdul Rahim Jumaa, Salem Khamis, or Subait Khater, and Esmail Mattar in midfield, while Mohammad Omar and Faisal Khalil in attack.
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