Collina was in capital of the United Arab Emirates during the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 group stage as part of the preparation for the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system from the competition's quarter-finals - a decision he feels is correct.

"It is a wise decision as far as I am concerned to introduce VAR at the quarter-final stage because this is line with the pool of qualified referees that are available. The referees need to have the VAR license from IFAB (International Football Association Board)," said Collina in an interview with local media.

The VAR system will be implemented in the final seven matches of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 from Thursday, January 24, 2019.

Since the landmark decision in September last year, the AFC has been working closely with FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to ensure the successful implementation of the VAR system.

In addition, a comprehensive series of VAR specific workshops have been organised in recent months to ensure Asia’s elite match officials receive the optimum level of preparation.

 

Asia already boasts some of the world’s leading referees and now they will be given the additional support of VAR for the tournament quarter-finals, semi-finals and the February 1 final.

The VAR system will therefore be used in seven matches at four venues – Zayed Sports City and Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain and the Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai.

Already assured of qualification, Jordan drew 0-0 with Palestine on Tuesday to finish top of Group B with a highly creditable seven points from their three games.

With Jordan now scheduled to meet the third-placed team from either Group A, C or D in Dubai on Sunday, Abdel Rahman is adamant that the 2004 and 2011 quarter-finalists are more than ready for the next round of the competition.

Tom Rogic scored deep into added time to earn the Australians a last-gasp win after the Syrians twice pinned them back in their own search for a victory that would have taken them into the Round of 16.

Awer Mabil put Australia in front before Omar Khrbin levelled while Chris Ikonomidis’ second half effort was cancelled out from the penalty spot by Omar Al Soma, only for Rogic to slam the ball home from 25 yards in the third minute of added time.

The stalemate, coupled with Syria’s last gasp loss to Australia, saw Palestine finish third in the group on two points and still in contention for a place in the next round ahead of Matchday Three action in four more groups.

Despite Palestine being forced to play a potentially nervy waiting game, Ould Ali was quick to declare that he was more than happy to be in such a position, especially given the difficult nature of the group his team were in.

He is yet to feature in UAE 2019, and hasn't appeared for club side Brighton and Hove Albion since the first week of November, but the star told the-AFC.com he is physically ready to join his Team Melli teammates for the all important clash.

Thankfully, my condition is great, and I’ve trained with the team in the past couple of days," said the 25-year-old.

"I have no problem to play this game, and I am ready. It’s up to the staff to decide whether they want to use me or not."