UAE prepare for crucial Iran clash

Abu Dhabi - The UAE national football team continued their preparations in their domestic training camp in Al Ain prior to leaving for Tehran tomorrow to face Iran on June 2 in a crucial encounter in the Asian qualifiers for the finals of the 2010 World Cup.

Bruno Metsu, the team's head coach, invited Al Wahda's young wingback, Abdulla Al Noobi to replace Al Ahli's right full back Obaid Khalifa who needs a long rest, treatment and rehabilitation for an injury.

Difference

Metsu praised the morale of the players and their discipline in the camp and seemed confident with the team's prospects in Iran as the UAE heads Group 5 with four points from two matches followed by Iran and Syria, with two points each, and Kuwait with a single point.


The UAE players know that winning at least one point in Tehran will increase their hopes of reaching the second round and put them in a better frame of mind for the June 7 return match at home. "We are in a good physical and psychological condition for the match in Tehran,", Esmail Mattar, the UAE striker, said.

"We know that not losing in Azadi stadium will lead us a long way in our quest to reach the second round of the qualifiers.

"Iran have a good team but we also are a good team."

Talent

News reports mentioned that Ali Karimi, the Iranian striker who plays professional football in Qatar, is suspended from playing for his country for a year after criticising the Iranian FA which will make a big difference in their attacking line up.

Karimi has played for Al Ahli in Dubai and Bayern Munich in Germany.