Juma urges fans to support their team

Dubai: UAE skipper Abdul Rahim Juma said winning in Wednesday night's match would help the team recapture their best form and raise morale for the coming matches.

"We know the Iranian well as they also know us. We met with them before, four months ago in the third round of the qualifiers. I hope we can score our first win against them in an official match," said Juma.

The UAE skipper said the Iran match and the remaining four matches in the qualifiers were of great importance for the players.

"Today's match against Iran and the next four matches against North Korea, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Iran in Tehran will be like Cup finals, we must win them all if we are to qualify for the World cup finals," he said.

Juma asked the UAE supporters to fill the Al Maktoum stadium tonight.

The UAE skipper said: "I am sure our supporters will not let us down in this crucial match, their support is essential in today's tough clash.

"The support will encourage us to give our best and defend the UAE colours in style."

The Iranian skipper Wahid Hashimian said that he do not know the standard of the UAE team in recent matches.

"I didn't play the last match against UAE in the World cup qualifiers in Tehran which ended goalless. But I know they have good players despite losing the last three matches in the qualifiers," said Hashimian.

The Bundesliga player said it was good that Ali Daei, who played with him in the Iranian team, had become the coach.

"Ali Daei as a coach is doing well so far," said Hashimian.