The UAE football team recovered in style from the depths of despair, following their defeat against India in World Cup qualifiers campaign, by trouncing Brunei 12-0 on Saturday.

The UAE realised that the more goals they score, the better chance they will have to reach the second round of the Asian competition in case they got tied with either India or Yemen as each of the teams can collect 15 points.

The big victory served as a morale booster for the UAE. The team played like a wounded tiger and Brunei felt the wrath of the UAE players who had been blaming themselves for losing the opener against India.

Their determination to have a fresh start to their campaign was evident as they were not content with the five goals they scored in the first half.

They came back after the breather with more determination to add more goals irrespective of the heavy rains that flooded the field. Their team work was ideal and they gave the Brunei players and their fans who braved the torrential downpour a hard time.

The timing of the victory was also ideal as it came only 10 days before the UAE host India, their most serious challenger for the group's leadership in Al Ain on April 26. This encounter means a great deal for both teams as the winners will surely be on their way to the second round.

Henry Michel, the UAE's head coach, applied a total attacking plan with only two defenders while he used six midfielders to assist in attack and defence.

His plan was not actually 2–6–2 but it was more 2–3–3–2 as Fahad Massaood, Hayder Allo Ali and Mohammed Ibrahim were playing directly behind the strikers.

That plan was good enough to thrash Brunei and Michel realises that he will have to make changes in both players and strategy according to each match in the competition and the opponents UAE have to face.

Michel, who had substituted Yasir Salim and Abdul Salam Jumaa, in his last matches on the grounds that both players are not showing their real capabilities had succeeded in bringing the best of the two stars who led Al Wahda to the UAE league championship this season. Yasir scored five goals, created one and his pace and intelligent running gave the home team a lot of problems.

Abdul Salam, who came in after the break, took only four minutes before scoring a goal and his allround contribution was magnificent as he created four goals. He ruled the midfield on the day.

Fahad Massaood and Hayder Allo Ali, who missed the first match against India, were in superb touch as Massaood scored twice while Hayder took control of the left flank and led a number of dangerous moves in that direction making in roads into the Brunei defence.

Much of the credit should be given to Abdul Rahim Jumaa, the younger brother of Abdul Salam, whose measured passes and strong tackling gave him control of the midfield before his brother joined him after the breather to make it a family affair.

It was Abdul Rahim who made way for the big victory sending Yasir clear with a through pass only seconds after the start of the match.

That move basically finished off any aggressive intent home team was nursing. Early goal had a magical effect on both teams. The UAE gained in confidence and the home team surrendered.

The UAE's gain was not just the 12 goals but the return of the players' confidence and renewed motivation level. Now they are firmly in the race. India will really have a lot to worry about in their return leg match in Al Ain next week.