Dubai "The team of the future," that's the label given to the UAE's U-23 team by FA officials ahead of tonight's U-23 Gulf Cup final against Kuwait in Qatar.
Having played in over 100 games together since 2006, the UAE's current U-23 squad has already lifted the U17 Gulf Cup in 2007, the U-19 Asian Cup in 2008, and they reached the last eight of the U-20 World Cup in 2009.
Now they are looking for graduation honours in only the second edition of the U-23 Gulf Cup.
Using Spain's progression as the benchmark, UAE FA general secretary Yousuf Abdullah said the UAE's youth can go on to achieve great things whatever tonight's score.
Yousuf pointed to the Spaniards as an example, because despite losing in the final of the U-20 World Cup in 2003, many from that batch went on to secure this summer's senior World Cup title.
"I'm not saying the UAE will go on to win the World Cup, but we should work hard with this team for the future."
High rank
"Iniesta and Torres played in the Youth World Cup in Abu Dhabi seven years ago, we are looking at their example to reach a higher ranking in world football. We need to prepare to qualify for the next World Cup. This is the team for the future," Abdullah added.
The U-23 Gulf Cup has been seen as preparation for the forthcoming Asian Games (in Guangzhou, China from November 12-27) and qualification for the Olympic Games, which is expected to start sometime before February 2011.
However with senior competitions like the Gulf Cup in Yemen from November 22 to December 4, plus the Asian Cup in Qatar from January 7-29, it's no secret that UAE coach Srecko Katenec will be looking to raid his junior ranks for younger blood.
Youth development in UAE national football has never been so active with eight teams competing and travelling abroad for camps and competitions,
"This never happened in the past, now we're looking to make the future better," said Abdullah.
Knocked out
And it's starting to take effect. Having secured their path to the final with a 1-0 win over defending champions Saudi in Group B, the UAE went on to draw 1-1 with Kuwait in the group stages before they knocked out hosts Qatar 3-1 in the semi-final.
Al Ahli frontman Ahmad Khalil, of 2008 Asian Young Player of the Year fame has bagged four so far, making him the competition's top scorer.
Whatever the score tonight against Kuwait, the UAE's progress in the U-23 Gulf Cup so far is testament to the FA's emphasis on youth development, and many are hoping this bodes well for the future.
Can the UAE team win the Under-23 Gulf Cup? How good do you think this year's crop of players is?
