Abu Dhabi - The UAE national
football team continued their preparations in their domestic training camp
in Al Ain prior to leaving for Tehran tomorrow to face Iran on June 2 in a
crucial encounter in the Asian qualifiers for the finals of the 2010 World
Cup.
Bruno Metsu, the team's head coach, invited Al Wahda's young wingback,
Abdulla Al Noobi to replace Al Ahli's right full back Obaid Khalifa who
needs a long rest, treatment and rehabilitation for an injury.
Difference
Metsu praised the morale of the players and their discipline in the camp and
seemed confident with the team's prospects in Iran as the UAE heads Group 5
with four points from two matches followed by Iran and Syria, with two
points each, and Kuwait with a single point.
The UAE players know that winning at least one point in Tehran will increase
their hopes of reaching the second round and put them in a better frame of
mind for the June 7 return match at home. "We are in a good physical and
psychological condition for the match in Tehran,", Esmail Mattar, the UAE
striker, said.
"We know that not losing in Azadi stadium will lead us a long way in our
quest to reach the second round of the qualifiers.
"Iran have a good team but we also are a good team."
Talent
News reports mentioned that Ali Karimi, the Iranian striker who plays
professional football in Qatar, is suspended from playing for his country
for a year after criticising the Iranian FA which will make a big difference
in their attacking line up.
Karimi has played for Al Ahli in Dubai and Bayern Munich in Germany.
