Mahdi Ali’s side were drawn in arguably the toughest group for the final round of qualifying for Russia 2018. With only the top two guaranteed to progress, John McAuley analyses the UAE’s five opponents announced on Tuesday in Kuala Lumpur.
Australia
The Asian champions are the highest seed in the group having got to this stage by winning seven of eight matches in Round 2 – the only blot a surprise 2-0 defeat to Jordan. Despite that, though, they topped their pool with ease. Managed by experienced coach Ange Postecoglou and with veteran Tim Cahill still their go-to guy, the Australians should have enough to advance to Russia. They have become World Cup stalwarts, qualifying for the past three tournaments. Defeated the UAE in last year’s Asian Cup semi-final. Certain to progress.
• See also: Saudi Arabia again the most likely obstacle for UAE to overcome on road to Russia 2018
Japan
Five-time World Cup finalists, the Japanese are one of Asia’s powerhouses, its champions as recently as 2011. They qualified for Round 3 by winning seven of their eight matches – they drew the other – and did not concede a goal. Have a wealth of experience at this level and several accomplished players, including Keisuke Honda, Shinji Okazaki and Shinji Kagawa. Played every World Cup since first contesting the finals in 1998. Played every World Cup since first contesting the finals in 1998. Managed by Vahid Halilhodzic and, although lost to UAE in Asian Cup quarter-finals last year, should battle Australia for top spot.
Saudi Arabia
The Middle East’s most successful side, with four previous appearances at the World Cup and a trio of Asian Cup successes. However, their recent record is not as favourable, with Bert van Marwijk drafted in last year to turn around fortunes. The Dutchman has had the desired impact, guiding the unbeaten Saudis to top spot in Group A, where they took four points from six against the UAE. Full-back Yasser Al Shahrani is one of the region’s best, while the current standout is Mohammed Al Sahlawi, top scorer in qualifying with 14 goals. A real threat to the UAE’s hopes of snatching third.
• See also: UAE to face Japan, Australia and Saudi Arabia in final 2018 World Cup qualifying round
Iraq
A former Asian heavyweight who has regressed, as reflected in their runner-up finish in Round Two. The Iraqis, managed by Abdul Ghani Shahad, were pipped to the summit by lowly Thailand, and eventually concluded the pool with three wins and three draws from six matches. However, they still finished as the best runner-up in the round. Humam Tariq, the skilful playmaker currently on loan in his homeland from Al Ahli, is their main creative force. Iraq, who lost the third-place play-off to the UAE at last year’s Asian Cup, have only once appeared at a World Cup, in 1986. They will struggle to do so again this time.
Thailand
At 119, the lowest-ranked team left at this stage. Yet the south-east Asians surprisingly concluded Round 2 as one of the eight group winners, remaining unbeaten as they registered four victories and two draws. Coach Kiatisuk Senamuang deserves huge credit for that, as he has crafted an energetic side who look to capable forward Teerasil Dangda to provide the firepower. Despite the progress, Thailand are expected to prop up the Group B, with the UAE likely to view their two matches as a straightforward six points. Thailand have never qualified for a World Cup. That run will continue.
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