ABU DHABI (AFP) - Football managers used to screaming themselves hoarse during games are finding little need to reach for a post-match lozenge at the Asian Cup - where their voices echo around sparsely-populated stadia.
This month's tournament in the United Arab Emirates has struggled to attract crowds, with some coaches grumbling about the swathes of empty seats at the continent's showpiece competition.
"I personally think the atmosphere of the Asian Cup could be a little more enthusiastic, more exciting," Iran boss Carlos Queiroz told reporters.
"To be honest not only me but the Chinese, everyone, has been talking about it. (They) expected much better and a more enthusiastic atmosphere all over the country and at all the stadiums."
Hosted under the slogan "Bringing Asia together", the Asian Cup has so far fallen short of persuading enough of the region's fans to turn up and watch games.
Iran look one of the teams to beat, but barely 5,000 watched them thrash tournament first-timers Yemen 5-0 in their opening game at Abu Dhabi's Mohammed bin Zayed stadium - a venue that seats 40,000.
Barely a thousand more showed up to watch holders Australia and four-time champions Japan reach the quarter-finals, while even hosts UAE have played at half-empty grounds.
"We were expecting a bigger turnout," Mohammed Khalfan Al Romaithi, chairman of the UAE General Authority for Sports, told AFP.
"We are surprised by the lack of UAE fans too," he admitted in an interview. "This is a culture that I hope will change. Loyalty must always be there - win or lose."
Teams have complained of poor facilities with one from the Middle East accusing organisers of "cultural insensitivity" for suggesting their players use the hotel pool to recover from games despite many of the deck-chairs being occupied by bikini-clad holiday makers.
Meanwhile, fans have spoken of being asked by Asian Cup officials to leave their allotted areas to fill seats directly opposite the television cameras.
Just a couple of hundred witnessed Qatar's 6-0 demolition of North Korea in Al-Ain as locals snubbed the game and the long-running blockade of the Gulf state by its neighbours meant it was played in an eery silence.
UAE coach Alberto Zaccheroni bizarrely blamed "cold weather" for another disappointing turnout when his side beat Kyrgyzstan 3-2 in extra time to reach the last eight this week.
"Maybe they preferred to stay home and watch it on television," shrugged the Italian, opening another can of worms.
Oman coach Pim Verbeek wanted to watch Asian Cup matches on TV but was puzzled to find they were largely unavailable at hotels, many of which don't show Qatari rights holders beIN Sports.
"It's a pity the games are not on television," shrugged the Dutchman. "I miss that in this tournament."
Football: Rice scores first Hammers goal to defeat Arsenal. Rice (centre) and Pedro Obiang (right) embrace as West Ham players celebrate after the match. Defeat dented Arsenal's bid to break
Watch: Rice scores first Hammers goal to defeat Arsenal
Atletico extend lead over Real with narrow win over Eibar. Real Madrid play at home to in-form Athletic Bilbao on Sunday but Atletico took another step towards finishing above their city rivals
Atletico extend lead over Real with narrow win over Eibar
Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino says his team must play with the freedom of their youth to overcome Liverpool in the Champions League final on Saturday night, adding they will need
Tottenham v Liverpool Champions League final will be 'amazing
Hugo Lloris' latest mistake cost Tottenham a point at Liverpool, and Jermaine Jenas says it's now time for the goalkeeper to be dropped by Mauricio Pochettino. Lloris, who captained France to
Jermaine Jenas calls on Spurs to drop Hugo Lloris for Paulo
Former England star Wayne Rooney scored three goals on Saturday night to lead DC United to a crushing 5-0 victory over Real Salt Lake. Rooney bags first MLS hat-trick in DC romp.
Watch: Rooney bags first MLS hat trick in DC United romp
Late Ronaldo goal foils Torino 2 Min Read TURIN, Italy (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo headed a late equaliser to deny Torino their first win away to neighbours Juventus for 24 years as the two
Late Ronaldo goal foils Torino - Stabroek News
Saswa eyes SPL title glory - straitstimes.com
Trust is not only between two people, but it's also within ourselves. Trust is when you know you can rely on yourself, have confidence in yourself and we feel safe physically and emotionally with
6 Ways to Build Trust in Yourself - healthline.com
Griezmann calls time on Atletico stay as move to Barcelona
FIFA moved a step closer on Friday to expanding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to 48 teams and hopes to confirm the plans in June if a suitable co-host can be found. An internal feasibility study
FIFA backs 48-team World Cup in 2022 | Daily Mail Online
Cristiano Ronaldo fit for Juventus clash with Ajax: Massimiliano Allegri Cristiano Ronaldo has been passed fit to play for Juventus in their Champions League quarter-final first leg at Ajax Amsterdam on Wednesday, coach Massimiliano Allegri has told Sky Italia.
Ronaldo will be fit for Ajax clash, says Allegri - the-star.co.ke
Ferland Mendy set for Real move, says France coach Deschamps Soccer Football France coach Didier Deschamps said on Monday that Olympique Lyonnais left back Ferland Mendy will join Real
Ferland Mendy set for Real move, says France coach Deschamps
0 comments:
Post a Comment