“We prepared well to face Qatar, knowing they have a strong team with exceptional players and a high-level coach,” said Bento. “We considered every possible scenario since predicting their strategy was challenging.

“We succeeded in capitalising on our chances and scored goals – something we struggled with in the match against Uzbekistan, despite performing well. Unfortunately, we missed many easy opportunities then.”

Defeat left Qatar in fourth place with head coach Marquez Lopez lamenting his team’s struggles.

“The UAE team earned a deserved victory, and I congratulate them,” said Lopez. “Our plan relied on a defensive approach and counterattacks, but Fabio Lima's early goal disrupted our strategy, leading to numerous individual errors that cost us.

"Despite our attempts to regain control, we couldn’t find the opportunity to make a comeback."

“Our team was not fatigued; the issue lay in our tactical planning and execution. Individual mistakes led to the goals we conceded, and both the team and I, as coach, were not at our best.

“By the 80th minute, with the score at five in favour of the UAE, it was evident that further attempts were futile. We were aware of the UAE’s strategy to exploit individual errors, and they executed it well, showing strength in their offensive game,” added Lopez, with Qatar needing a win when they play DPR Korea in March.