N Korea, UAE in football stalemate

Bahrain coach asks for time after Asian Cup defeat.

DOHA: North Korea were forced to dig deep to salvage a point against a rampant UAE as they opened their Asian Cup campaign in less than convincing fashion with a goalless draw.

The Koreans withstood a barrage of UAE pressure throughout the 90 minutes. After North Korea captain Hong Yong-Jo squandered an early penalty, the UAE gradually shifted into top gear, attacking a disorganised Korean side up to the half-time break.

The second half was more of a war of attrition with both defences dominating as Hamdanal Kamali clipped down ace striker Jong Tae-Se in the box to earn a yellow card. There were few other real scoring chances to entertain the 3,600 fans, the lowest crowd of the tournament so far.

S Korea defeat Bahrain

Bahrain coach Salman Sharida pleaded for patience from the supporters after seeing his side beaten 2-1 by South Korea in their opening Group C game.

A brace from midfielder Koo Ja-Cheol set South Korea on course for a routine victory, but Faouzi Aaish pulled a goal back from the penalty spot to leave the Koreans hanging on. Sharida took over following the surprise resignation of Austrian coach Josef Hickersberger last October. And he reminded everyone that he had had little time to impress his ideas upon the squad.

“Remember, I’ve only spent two months with the team and two months is not enough to prepare for matches of this kind,” said Sharida. “Korea have played in the World Cup many times.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12^th, 2011.