In the Emirates, where Guilherme Bala has built a home since 2021, the former Flamengo forward made an instant mark on the international stage. The 25-year-old came off the bench against Bahrain and scored within three minutes to help the United Arab Emirates secure victory.
Key takeaways
- Guilherme Bala made his United Arab Emirates debut against Bahrain.
- He entered in the 63rd minute and found the net three minutes later.
- Marcus Meloni, another Brazilian-born player, supplied the pass for Bala’s goal.
- The finish extended the UAE’s advantage from 1-0 and helped seal the three points.
- Bala said representing the Emirates is especially meaningful after his family settled in the country.
A decisive first contribution
Bala was introduced with 18 minutes of the second half played, at a point when the UAE held a narrow one-goal lead over Bahrain. His impact was immediate. Meloni released him with a through ball, and Bala finished beyond goalkeeper Luftalla to give the home side greater breathing room.
The goal arrived with one of Bala’s earliest touches in an Emirates shirt. He said he could scarcely have imagined a better beginning, explaining that the strike came at a crucial stage of a match still finely balanced at 1-0.
“I’m very happy to score in my first appearance,” Bala said. “Even if I had tried to picture a good start, I probably would not have imagined scoring with one of my first touches. It came at an important moment, when the match was reaching a decisive phase. We were 1-0 up, and the goal gave us calm on the scoreboard and helped us take the three points.”
An adopted country and a new international chapter
The former Flamengo player arrived in the United Arab Emirates in 2021 and has since formed deep ties with the country. His children were born there, while he said his family had been warmly received throughout their time in the Gulf.
Speaking after his debut, Bala referred to the UAE as his country and described the call-up as a source of great pride.
“It is rewarding to play for my country’s national team,” he said. “I came here very young, my children were born here, and my family has always been welcomed by everyone. I have grown and learned a great deal. Scoring on my debut for my national team brings me enormous joy. I thank God and the Emirati people.”
