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Two of the most successful countries in the history of the Gulf Cup of Nations are getting
ready to clash on January 15 at the Bahrain National Stadium in Riffa.
The United Arab Emirates are taking on Kuwait in the first semi-final of the tournament.
The UAE will be looking to advance to the final in search of their second title by eliminating
the holders, who will be seeking their eleventh title in the 21 editions of the tournament.
The UAE go into the match as, arguably, the strongest side in the tournament, as they
won all their group matches, leading the tournament in scoring with seven goals, while only conceding
two.
Holders Kuwait, meanwhile, escaped a do-or-die match against Saudi Arabia on the 12 January
with a 1-0 victory to grab the last qualification spot in Group B.
Whilst the side may have slightly stumbled in qualification, the Kuwaitis go into the
tie with co-tournament scoring leader Yousef Nasser al-Salman, who rescued them against
the Saudis, in-form midfielder Bader al-Mutwa and the leadership of Serbian coach Goran
Tufegdzic, who led the team to the Gulf Cup title in 2010.
"For the match tomorrow, both teams have a chance to qualify for the final. I think the
Emirates has a better position because it's had one day more for the recovery of players.
In the last match, they didn't play their full team against the national team of Oman.
It will be a good match for all spectators. Really, I believe in my team, but we must
respect the national team of the Emirates."
The winners will face either hosts Bahrain or Iraq in the final.