CAIRO: UAE coach Mahdi Ali said he was grateful to Egyptian fans after his side advanced to the U-20 World Cup quarter finals on Wednesday.

The Arab side were cheered by Egyptian attendees at Mubarak Stadium in Suez to come from a goal down and beat Venezuela 2-1.

The fans support was brilliant, Ali told Arab Radio and Television (ART) after the game.

We deserved that victory after producing a fine display, especially in the second half when we completely dominated play.

The UAE, who also reached the quarter finals in the 2003 tournament on home soil, have a chance to book a last-four berth for the first time in their history.

They will face Costa Rica, who stunned hosts Egypt with a 2-0 on Tuesday, at Cairo Stadium for a place in the semi final.

I m sure that Egyptian people will continue to support us, Ali added.