Tajikistan secured a place in the last 16 of the group stage with a dramatic 2-1 win over Lebanon in the final match of the group stage thanks to a late goal.
Although it is the first time for Tajikistan to be in the final week of the Asian Cup, it is a pleasant surprise. Their 4-4-2 formation has managed to stay organized at the back, and they have been able to make good use of the space and have enough men to get up and attack their opponents. Last year they played a friendly against UAE and drew 0-0. In that match, they were pressured several times after losing possession of the ball, so they need to make better crisis management plan for this match. In terms of offense, I think Umarbayev, who scored a killer free kick against Lebanon, will be a threat again in this match.
UAE lost 1-2 against Iran, but with a goal in the match, they managed to get a better goal difference and became the second place in Group C over Palestine. However, they will need to improve in several areas if they want to qualify for the last 8.
The UAE lacked creativity against Iran, and the defense was not quick enough to press their opponents, and failed to defend well against crosses. I think Ramadan, who can play either as a midfielder or a wing forward, will play a key role for them, as he has the ability to control the game and take long shots from midfield.
