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UAE opt for caution in World Cup qualifier

Bruno Metsu, the head coach of the UAE, insists his team will not go for all-out attack against North Korea on Saturday night.

  • By Yasir Abbasher, Senior Reporter
  • Published: 23:12 September 5, 2008
  • Gulf News

Abu Dhabi: Bruno Metsu, the head coach of the UAE, insists his team will not go for all-out attack against North Korea on Saturday night.

The team will play the Koreans at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium in their first game of the final round of the World Cup qualifiers.

"We will have to be patient in building the attacking moves so as not to give them spaces to use their speed and counter attacks," Metsu said.

"The Koreans play with a solid defensive strategy when outside their country. We have to concentrate on every move and be patient in finishing the moves because haste makes waste.

"The Koreans are a good team with talented fast players but so we are and my players are determined to win the match. I feel optimistic."

The team's manager Abdulla Hassan told Gulf News: "It is of great importance that the team should give all its concentration and focus, especially in defence, all through the match and be aware of the Koreans fast counter attacking moves.

"An early goal for us will help in breaking down the stubborn Korean defence and will help our players to score more and take control of the encounter."

Fellow Group B team Saudi Arabia will host Iran while South Korea, the fifth team in the group, will kick off their campaign on Wednesday. The two top teams of the group will win a seat in the finals while the third placed team will enter the play-offs.

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