Sport | Football

UAE determined to avoid defensive mistakes

The UAE national football team continued their preparations for their final match against Syria in the Asian qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup last night with a training session at the Tahnoun Bin Mohammad Stadium - the venue for the match.

  • By Yasir Abbasher, Senior Reporter
  • Published: 00:08 June 20, 2008
  • Gulf News

Al Ain: The UAE national football team continued their preparations for their final match against Syria in the Asian qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup last night with a training session at the Tahnoun Bin Mohammad Stadium - the venue for the match.

Head coach Bruno Metsu did not disclose who would replace suspended right fullback Hayder Allo Ali, but it is believed that either Faris Jumaa or Tarig Hassan will fill the role.

The defence will be desperate to eradicate the mistakes they committed in the second half of the match against Kuwait on Saturday.

Late winner

The UAE were leading 2-0 by the break before Kuwait levelled the score in the second half. The UAE managed to grab a late winner.

"We will never again commit the same mistakes of the last match." left fullback Saleh Obaid said.

"We were relaxed after we led 2-0 and lost many chances that affected our marking and covering.

"We will be at our best against Syria on Sunday.

"It is up to the coach to decide who will replace Hayder, but I am ready and have been playing at the right side of defence with Al Ain. I am also confident that my colleague Tarig will do a good job if he was selected." Frasi said.

Meanwhile, Syria arrived today in Al Ain and will hold training sessions at the Khalifa Stadium. A main session will also be held tomorrow at the match venue.

Syrian coach Mohammad Kwid has invited Mohammad Al Hamawi and Basil Al Sha'ar to join the team.

The Syrians need at least a 3-0 victory to secure a berth in the second round of the qualifiers.

Defender Abdul Kadir Dakka will miss the match after collecting two yellow cards.

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