Sport | Football
Al Jazira aiming to continue good start
Al Jazira look to continue their good start to the season against Al Wasl but will be wary of a backlash from their opponents after their coach was sacked.
- By Yasir Abbasher, Senior Reporter
- Published: 23:41 October 3, 2008
- Fernando Baiano (white) of Al Jazira and Ali Ahmad of Al Khaleej tussel for the ball during a recent UFL match. Al Jazira face Al Wasl today.
- Image Credit: Gulf News archive
Abu Dhabi: Al Jazira look to continue their good start to the season against Al Wasl but will be wary of a backlash from their opponents after their coach was sacked.
The Abu Dhabi club are currently joint second and have scored seven goals in their league two games so far while conceding just two.
They have a strong attacking fire power featuring Brazilians Rafael Sobis and Fernando Baiano as well as Ebrahima Diyaki, Abdul Salam Juma, Subait Khater and Ahmad Dada.
Al Wasl, on the other hand, have collected three points from a slim 1-0 victory over newly-promoted Ajman before going down 4-2 at home to Al Wahda.
The defeat led to the club's management firing coach Miroslan Beranick.
Horack, the reserve team coach, will take charge for tonight's game against Al Jazira.
Abel Braga, the head coach of Al Jazira, has created a solid defensive unit this season and they have proved to be a tough nut to crack.
Young custodian Ali Khaseef has performed well in both games, making some outstanding saves. If he continues in this rich vein of form a UAE call-up may come soon.
The Al Wasl players will be out to show their worth after their loss to Al Wahda and their morale seems better following the sacking of the coach. The side has also been boosted by the return of Khalid Darwish to his usual dazzling form but Al Wasl have always suffered from a vulnerable defence.
Conceding four goals against at home indicates a big problem at the back.
Al Jazira will surely look to capitalise on any such problem with their quality attacking players.
Iranian midfielder Eman Mobali and Brazilian striker Oliveira remain the main source of danger for Al Wasl and should be subject to tight marking.
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