UAE not overawed by possible quarters opponents

Sydney

UAE coach Mahdi Ali says his fearless side will not worry about their eventual quarter-final opponents ahead of their decisive Asian Cup clash with Iran at the Brisbane Stadium on Monday.

While both UAE and Iran have already qualified for the last eight, the result of the Group C tie will determine the paths the two teams take into the deeper stages of the competition.

A win or a draw for UAE will see them top the group and therefore likely face Iraq at the next stage. A defeat will have them take on reigning Asian champions Japan. That fixture would prove daunting for any team, with the Blue Samurai holding a formidable record in the Asian Cup – a tournament they have won four times.

But Ali is unconcerned. Having watched his talented team take two wins from the first two games, he is keen for the UAE to complete the set with a victory over Iran only so that they should top the group – not in order to avoid Japan.

“It does not matter which team we have to play (in the quarter-finals),” he told the media. “It is good to finish first because it gives motivation to the players for the second round.

“We have no problem with Japan. We are used to big atmospheres and our players have played in front of 60,000 against North Korea, 75,000 at Old Trafford and 80,000 at Wembley during the Olympics.

“It is a very important match and we will try to show our quality.”

Ali knows it will be a tall order overcoming Iran, who currently sit second in Group C only on goal difference.

Narrow wins over both Qatar and Bahrain have been characterised mainly by Iran’s solidity at the back – and Ali has admitted his side will have to be at their best to break down such a watertight defence.

Indeed, there has been a mutual show of respect from both coaches ahead of the game, with the UAE manager recognising Team Meli’s position as the highest ranked team in Asian football.

Iran boss Carlos Queiroz has been even more effusive, saying that he believes the UAE are the strongest side in the wider Gulf region. “In my opinion we will be playing the best team in West Asia,” he said. “They have played together for many years and been together since 17. They are a beautiful team to watch.

“(This) game is going to be more difficult than our last two. The UAE are better than Qatar and Bahrain; they have played together for a long time and know each other very well.

“I have no doubt both teams will try to win. For us as well as the UAE, a draw will not be enough.”

- The writer is a freelance journalist based in Australia.