Uzbekistan coach Vadim Abramov at a loss for words

Dubai: Uzbekistan coach Vadim Abramov is at a loss for words when it comes to explaining the UAE's position as joint leaders of Group B for the 2012 London Olympics qualifiers.

"A team that has scored just one goal in four matches has eight points, and I am simply too amused trying to find an explanation to this," Abramov told Gulf News after Saturday's 3-0 win against the Philippines Azkals in a friendly match at Al Nasr's Maktoum Stadium. 

Uzbekistan has a clean record of two wins and as many draws for their eight points in Group B of the London qualifiers, while the UAE are also sitting pretty with eight points after world governing body Fifa awarded them with a 3-0 win after Iraq had fielded an ineligible player when the two teams met on November 23. 

"The UAE had two points from two goalless draws and then last week they won 1-0 against Iraq in Qatar taking their tally up to five points. But with the Fifa decision this has gone up to eight points and a goal difference of 4-0. Can someone please tell me who scored these three goals for them?" Abramov queried. 

"This remains a mystery to me until someone can come up with a credible explanation," he added. But he is trying his best to play by the rules by not distracting himself into getting an explanation. With the UAE tied on level terms, the coach recognises the fact that Australia too have an equal chance of qualifying should they win their next two matches against the UAE and Iraq. 

"For us and for the other teams, it is quite clear. There are two matches to go and both have to be won," he said. "We play Australia and the UAE and we need to win all six points to go through to London. I understand football and that is what I will tell my players to do as well," Abramov added. 

Besides this, Saturday's victory in the friendly against the Azkals came at a heavy cost - a suspected hamstring injury to his star striker Kenja Turaev. "I hope the injury is not too serious," the coach said.