Against the backdrop of live football, five musicians took to the stage to play a wide variety of conventional Korean percussion instruments including a selection of leather drums, with the group’s leader also singing to create a celebratory atmosphere.

The performance, which is part of the AFC Asian Cup’s cultural programme, delighted the public and a group of football supporters who had gathered on the comfy bean bags, with many also choosing to take part in the various football activations that have been constructed for the tournament, like human table football, football darts and more.

With vivid whirling ribbons, elaborate movements and beautifully coloured costumes, the graceful performers offered a fascinating glimpse into an ancient culture through dance, before handing over to 10 Chinese children living in the UAE, who showcased well-practiced Kung Fu martial arts moves much to the delight of football fans.

The performances were part of a month-long cultural programme, bringing music, dance and culture to the AFC Asian Cup Fan Zone, which is also showing all the matches of the tournament live to supporters of all countries on a giant screen.

The group, comprising five drummers of Emirati and Japanese heritage, thrilled fans in the beachside location with a traditional taiko percussion that filled the air with a pulsating beat.

Speaking after the performance a member of the band, Tayammum Al Katheeri said: “Being an Emirati, a lot of people ask me how I am related to Japanese music and why I do it. It was my brother who initially introduced me and then I came across this group, which is cross cultural, and it has been the best thing ever since.”

“The AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 is bringing people together from all over the world so what better way to showcase unity and togetherness through this music, which does exactly that,” he added.

Tayammum’s brother, Taryam, said Kharsha Drums aspires to promote a positive culture exchange between the UAE and Japan through their performance of the Japanese percussion art.

Four youngsters stepped up to showcase their musical ability on the beachside stage with the audience soaking up the chance to enjoy the magic of another culture against the backdrop of Asia’s biggest football tournament.

Sharing his insights, Dang Phuong Anh, one of the performing group’s members said: “I love playing music and doing it here in Abu Dhabi on the beach at this football fan zone is a great experience that me and my friends will never forget.”

Her music teacher Le Thanh Phuong added: “With football being played between 24 nations, we’re here to promote and teach people about Vietnamese culture. What better way to do that than through our music, which like football, is a great way to bring people together.”

On a night of high drama at Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Mehdi Taremi, Sardar Azmoun and substitute Karim Ansarifard all made the most of hesitant Chinese defending as Iran progressed through to the last four with relative ease.

Their place in the last four against Islamic Republic of Iran was sealed with a 1-0 win over plucky Vietnam and the Japan head coach said the performance against feisty opposition was proof that the Samurai Blue are growing stronger with each passing match.

Japan dominated the tie at the Al Maktoum Stadium and shrugged off being denied a goal in the first half by a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review to advance.

Ironically, it was a VAR review that led to Japan’s goal, as they were awarded a penalty after Ritsu Doan had been brought down in the box. The midfielder then stepped up to convert.

The valiant Southeast Asians campaign ended after they lost 1-0 to four-time champions Japan in their quarter-final at the Al Maktoum Stadium.

Vietnam qualified for the knockout stage of UAE 2019 as the fourth best third-placed team but edged Jordan - who had stunned defending champions Australia 1-0 in the group stage - on penalties to make the quarter-finals.

There was not to be further joy as Japan’s Ritsu Doan converted a second half penalty to take the Samurai Blue through in an absorbing encounter.