Korea DPR and UAE were involved in a statement in the Asian cup recently. The Koreans withstood a barrage of UAE pressure throughout the 90 minutes. After North Korea captain Hong Yong-Jo squandered an early penalty, the UAE gradually shifted into top gear, attacking a disorganised Korean side up to the half-time break.

The second half was more of a war of attrition with both defences dominating as Hamdanal Kamali clipped down ace striker Jong Tae-Se in the box to earn a yellow card. There were few other real scoring chances to entertain the 3,600 fans, the lowest crowd of the tournament so far.

Apparently Dani Alves and Cristiano Ronaldo were amongst those watching from the sidelines.