Dubai: Al Nasr manager Frank Pagelsdorf has saluted his boys for their morale-boosting performance, which won them the Al Nasr International Tournament and warned rivals in the UAE Football League (UFL) to expect the worst when the 2009-10 season kicks off in three weeks' time on September 25.

Al Nasr travel to Al Ain for their opening fixture, but the trip is not worrying former Hamburg manager Pagelsdorf, who witnessed his side comfortably beat ing Iranian team Persepolis 2-0 in the finals of the Al Nasr International Football Tournament at the Maktoum Stadium on Monday.

Goals from Amer Mubarak Ganem and Mohammad Malallah ensured Al Nasr grabbed their first trophy of the season, but what will really be comforting Pagelsdorf is the fact that his side seem well-equipped to deal with the challenges of the UFL, a tournament they haven't won for 23 straight years.

The German said: "The match was tight with us dominating proceedings in the first-half and Persepolis calling the shots in the second. We changed tactics and playing defensively in the second period to try a few things out, and we played tight and did not let them create any clear chances. The field was kept closed for them and they weren't able to make space and score.

"We've had a very tiring week as we've had to play three matches in six days and this has taken quite a bit out of the team. But I thought we fought well even though most of my men were really exhausted because of the tight schedule.

"Winning is always a confidence booster and victory in this tournament is a big boost for our self-confidence ahead of the season."


Al Nasr's industrious Iranian midfielder Eman Mobali received the Player of the Tournament and Highest Scorer awards for his hard work and his two goals which helped the hosts beat Al Faisaly 2-1 in their first match.

Jordan's Al Faisaly beat Al Karama of Syria to take third spot in the tournament, Zambian striker Zechariah's solitary goal keeping the sides apart at the end of regulation time.

The tournament provided the home crowd a first competitive glimpse of their new international recruits Anouar Diba, Ali Boussaboun and Mobali and the trio impressed, particularly the Iranian whose move from neighbours Al Wasl was met with much cynicism.

Pagelsdorf was thrilled with Mobali's performance, but said it was a team effort that had provided Al Nasr a dream start.

"I think he is a good player, but football is not about one man, it's about a team of 11 and you have to credit all for performing well. The match was a positive for us and we can take a lot from this game, the players were very good," he said.

Al Nasr will play two more friendlies against Emirates and Dhafra on September 10 and 17 respectively, before their UFL tie against Al Ain.



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