AFC Asian Cup: UAE not a one-man team: Injured Mubarak

Abu Dhabi - Al Nasr defender was flown to Germany for a surgery and will miss the remainder of the tournament

The UAE won a hard-fought match against Kyrgyzstan in the AFC Asian Cup Round of 16 but in the process lost defender Khalifa Mubarak to injury.
In 26 minutes of the game, Kyrgyzstan attacker Mirlan Murzaev chipped into the UAE goal from a tight angle and Mubarak lunged to save but ended up crashing his leg into the post leading to a fracture. Al Nasr defender was flown to Germany for a surgery and will miss the remainder of the tournament. Mubarak is one of the few regulars in head coach Alberto Zaccheroni's line-up and an asset in the backline. Loss of such a passionate player is a big setback for the team formation but Mubarak begs to differ.
Despite injury, Mubarak is happy to see the UAE qualify to the quarterfinals where they will meet Australia on Friday. And he will be keenly following the developments from his hospital bed.
"My pain was relieved a lot as the team qualified into the quarters," Mubarak told the UAE FA website.
"I have full confidence in the ability of the players to win and continue to chase the title," he added.
"Only my body has left for Germany but my heart and mind remain with the team. I will wait to hear the news of the team winning the game and later the title. It will be the most beautiful gift as I will complete my treatment."
Mubarak noted his absence will not impact the defence line.
"I am not worried as the UAE never depends on any one player. Each player in the team possesses the ability and ambition to put their best performance for the country. They can surely fill the void left by any player. They will all unite to make up for absence of any player," the central defender said.
Mubarak said he knew his slide into the box against Kyrgyzstan was risky but he never thought twice.
"When I saw the ball head towards the net, I tried with all my strength to keep it out. I knew that I might be at risk but I did not hesitate to do my duty to protect my goal."
He is confident the players will now make the country proud by succeeding in the next rounds and lifting the Cup at home.
"I hope 'The Whites' can continue this journey to the podium and make everyone happy."
The UAE will now play Australia in the quarterfinals at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Friday (8 pm).
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com