Saudi Arabia boss Juan Ramon Lopez Caro insists his team’s hard work will pay off and provide a “big win” over the UAE tonight.
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Lopez Caro, 51, has helped rejuvenate the Green Falcons since succeeding Frank Rijkaard in January 2013 following a group-exit at the previous competition.
Asian Cup qualification was attained with the minimum of fuss, though a run of just two wins in 10 prior to Khaleej 22 allied with the pressure of being hosts has seen his every action scrutinised.
This criticism has continued despite guiding the Saudis to top spot in Group A, following two wins against Bahrain and Yemen plus an opening night-draw with Qatar.
“I disagree with the media opinion, there must be a balance in performance between defence and attack,” the ex-Real Madrid supremo said. “We aspire to provide a big win, with a performance which must be individually and collectively good. We have made a great effort in two years, and we have to be coherent and play with a high spirit.”
“I hope to see a strong game by two great teams. We know that the semi-final will be tough, I hope to achieve the result we deserve for the effort put in by the players in the previous period.”
Saudi Arabia are the traditional heavyweights in the Arabian Gulf, boasting four World Cup entries and three Gulf Cup triumphs.
The UAE have risen to become the region’s top side recently, but Saudi defender Osama Hawsawi insists they will go home disappointed.
He said: “Recently, the UAE have performed to a distinctive level, [but] we also performed well in the is period.
“The UAE are strong on all fronts, but coach Lopez Caro’s plan will give us a helping hand.”