Saudi Arabia and UAE Battle for Third Place in Arab Cup

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates face off today in the third-place match of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 at Khalifa International Stadium. Both teams are eager to salvage pride after disappointing semi-final defeats, with Saudi Arabia losing 0-1 to Jordan and the UAE suffering a 0-3 loss to the same opponent.

Despite the setbacks, Saudi head coach Herve Renard expressed determination to finish the tournament on a positive note. “We will play for third place in the tournament, and of course, this is not the match we wanted,” he stated at a pre-match press conference.

Renard acknowledged the team’s disappointing performance in the semi-finals but emphasized the importance of winning today. “We weren’t happy with our performance, and we need to focus on winning to end our tournament run,” he added. The team has not secured a title since 2003, marking a 23-year drought that weighs heavily on their ambitions.

Criticism has emerged regarding Renard’s management, yet he defended the team’s motivation. “The Saudi national team has not won a title since 2003. That is not my problem,” he remarked. “I know these players very well. Their motivation is very high.” He reiterated the team’s goal for the tournament, aiming to reclaim their former glory.

Saudi winger Abdulrahman Al Aboud shared his disappointment over the unexpected defeat. “Our goal in every tournament is to win the title,” he stated. Al Aboud noted that the experience gained by younger players during the tournament was a silver lining, providing them with valuable competitive exposure.

UAE’s Challenge Under Coach Olariu

On the other side, UAE coach Cosmin Olariu regards the third-place match as a significant challenge. “This is our final game, and all our focus is on winning against a strong Saudi team,” he said, acknowledging the psychological toll of their semi-final loss. He emphasized that reaching the semi-finals is still a step forward for a young squad, which has gained essential experience throughout the tournament.

Olariu stated, “Our objective now is to secure third place and continue building a strong team for the future.” The UAE team aims to return home with a victory, a goal that will require overcoming a historically dominant Saudi side.

Historically, Saudi Arabia has the upper hand in previous encounters, having won 21 out of 37 matches against the UAE, with only 8 losses and 8 draws. Despite this, the UAE will look to defy the odds and finish their campaign on a high note.

As both teams prepare for this crucial match, the outcome will not only determine the tournament standings but also serve as a catalyst for future aspirations. The clash promises to be an engaging contest, with both sides eager to leave a lasting impression in the Arab Cup.