Doha: The UAE start their campaign in the Asian Cup today in what has been termed as the ‘Group of Death' but coach Srecko Katanec declared, "We respect our rivals, we don't fear them."
The UAE face 2010 World Cup qualifiers North Korea today and also have defending champions Iraq and strong contenders in their group but the mix of youth and experience are likely to play without the huge pressure of any great expectations.
"For most of my young players this will be a whole new experience. We cannot sit back on our achievements in the age-level and junior events. This Asian Cup gives some of my players the chance to experience competition at a much higher level and this is important," said Katanec.
Read more stories on the Asian Cup
"This first game is important and we will be up against teams that are physically stronger. The young players in my squad will be up against players who are more experienced, more aggressive," said Katanec.
The UAE, who drafted in veteran Saeed Al Kas after their final camp in Oman, have named him as captain but he could be playing a limited role as Katanec is likely to start with Majed Nasser in the goal, Khaled Sabeel, Yousef Jaber, Hamdan Al Kamali and Waleed Abbas in defence, Subait Khater, Esmail Al Hammadi, Ahmad Mubarak and Ali Al Waheebi in the midfield with Esmail Matar and Ahmad Khaleel playing up front.
Commenting on the North Koreans, Katanec said that, "I have seen them play in the last World Cup and also in other friendlies. They are a very strong side and I have noticed that they can change the tempo of their game swiftly. This is backed by their organised attacks and they are equally well-organised in defence. We just have to stay focused on the game and never lose our concentration," he added.
North Korea's coach Jo Tong-sop, who failed to appear at the press conference and then made it almost after nearly two hours said he was not worried about a loss in the opening game. "It is only the first match and there is no pressure. Either way we have two more games after this," he said.
"This team is very different from the team that played in last year's World Cup," said Jo, who was an assistant coach in South Africa. "But that qualification for the World Cup and those results are all past now. The World Cup and the Asian Cup are two different events. So we start with a new side on a fresh note," the Korean said.
With Iran and Iraq playing later in the night, a win in this Group D opener will provide a huge boost for the winner to advance further in this 16-team event.
UAE vs North Korea, 5.15 pm UAE time, Qatar Sports Club.
‘No lack of experience'
Bani Yas defender who will be one of the seniormost players guarding the UAE goal said his colleagues in the UAE national team may be young but they do not lack experience.
Speaking to members of the UAE media, Jaber said, "They may be young in age but they are all fine players and already have the experience and ability to be creative. They have a lot of international experience at the junior level and at the Olympic level while many of them are playing in our league which is very competitive," he said.
"These youngsters are fully aware of bearing responsibility while they do not fear any big opposition. We seniors in the team have had no problem combining with the youngsters," the former Al Ahli star said.
"We are not afraid of the Korean side. We know how they play and we are confident of a good display. Our aim is to first try and advance to the second round," the UAE player said.
