The Croatian tactician insists his unbeaten side must sharpen their game in Jeddah after a narrow semi-final win over Oman
DUBAI, October 5, 2026 : United Arab Emirates head coach Zlatko Dalic has warned his players they must elevate their performance when they take on hosts Saudi Arabia in Tuesday’s Arabian Gulf Cup final in Jeddah.
The UAE booked their place in the showpiece decider courtesy of a disciplined 1-0 semi-final win against Oman, settled by Ousmane Camara’s 22nd-minute header. While the victory preserved the team’s unbeaten run throughout the tournament, Dalic conceded that the display left significant room for tactical improvement.
Nicolas Gimenez missed a second-half penalty that would have put the semi-final beyond Oman’s reach, setting up a nervy finish as the Omanis pressed hard in the closing stages.
“We did not play our best match and missed some chances, particularly the penalty, but the most important thing for us is qualifying for the final,” Dalic said during his post-match briefing. “The match did not go as I expected, but my team and my players secured the win, and that is what matters most. I believe we can perform better, improve our style of play and create more chances. Our performance in the final will be better.”
Appointed by the UAE Football Association in August, Dalic has engineered an immediate shift in momentum. The Croatian arrived with elite international credentials after leading Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final in Russia and a third-place finish at Qatar 2022. Having previously managed UAE powerhouse Al Ain, his familiarity with domestic football and regional rivalries has expedited his tactical integration.
The Emirati side advanced from the group phase in commanding fashion. They opened their campaign with a 4-0 sweep of Yemen, dismantled Bahrain 3-0, and concluded group play with a 1-1 draw to finish top of the table.
Standing between Dalic and an early piece of regional silverware is host nation Saudi Arabia, who advanced to the final by defeating Qatar 3-2 on penalties following a scoreless stalemate through extra time. The final at a packed venue in Jeddah presents Dalic’s sternest tactical test since taking the reins.
“Saudi Arabia are a strong team and will play in front of their home fans, so it will be a very difficult match,” Dalic said. “I expect a tough encounter and a stadium packed with supporters. We have great respect for the Saudi team.”
Tuesday’s final offers the UAE an opportunity to clinch their third Gulf Cup crown, while Dalic aims to cement his new project with immediate silverware on regional soil.
