Hector Cuper: Let’s hope tomorrow will be a positive result in our favour

The White Wolves will be featuring in their seventh edition of the Continental showpiece and Cuper insists his players are ready to be tested in the UAE.

“Our team had good preparation leading up to the tournament, especially our centralised camps which included high-intensity trainings. We didn’t only focus on Oman but also the tournament as a whole and I’m satisfied with how everything went,” said Cuper.

“I’m not worried that we didn’t not play any friendlies before the tournament. I made that decision for a valid reason. Sometimes players can pick up unnecessary injuries, so I didn’t want to expose my players to that kind of risk.

Despite Oman being the reigning Gulf Cup champions, the Argentine tactician believes his side are capable of going up against the best in Asia.

“We are prepared to face Oman tomorrow (Wednesday), so let’s see how it goes. Everyone’s looking forward to the first match.

“Oman are a good national side, they will surely prove it on the pitch tomorrow. They won the Gulf Cup. We respect all of our opponents. One must be prepared for any kind of match, this is the Asian Cup and there can be a lot of surprises."

“We have been working a lot together and any coach cannot guarantee that their team will play extraordinary football. But you will see the real side of the national team tomorrow and we will play attractive football.

“It will be interesting for both sides, not just for Uzbekistan but for Oman as well. Let’s hope tomorrow will be a positive result in our favour.