DUBAI // The UAE national team believe the “family” atmosphere within the group will contribute to a successful performance at next month’s Fifa Under 17 World Cup.
The hosts have spent the past few months preparing for the biennial tournament, which will see 24 countries compete across the Emirates from October 17 to November 8.
The UAE open the event with a clash against Honduras at Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, and complete their Group A assignment against Brazil, the three-time winners, and then Slovakia.
Despite the presence in their pool of the celebrated South Americans, the UAE approach the competition in buoyant mood. They have enjoyed a productive pre-tournament programme comprising three training camps abroad: first Turkey, then Malaysia, and now Marbella, Spain.
The results reinforce their confidence. In six friendlies played on foreign soil, many against older age-group sides, Rashid Amir’s side have registered five victories and a draw. Their goals ratio stands at 29 scored to three conceded.
“As a group we’ve been together for a long time now,” said the team manager, Badr Ahmed Al Hammadi, ahead of today’s first warm-up match against Ivory Coast.
The UAE then face Mexico, the U17 world title-holders, and Panama and Argentina before retuning on October 9 for a final week of training.
“I joined the team on July 1, 2012 and the coach was with them from April of last year,” Al Hammadi said. “In the year or so we’ve worked together we have developed a bond with the players, where we’ve become one family, you could say.
“Everyone genuinely cares for one another and no one steps outside the group. Players, coaches and management – it’s a tight group working towards the same goal on the pitch.”
The next four friendlies, each against a team competing in the World Cup, should provide the UAE with a clear idea of where they stand going into the tournament. Amir has urged his young group to remain focused on the Honduras tie – thoughts could stray towards the Brazil clash – and it is a point echoed by Al Hammadi. He foresees a highly competitive event overall, irrespective of the reputation or record of the individual countries.
“Our view whenever the draw came out was that no group is easier than any other,” he said. “That’s because of the age group. I believe that, at 17, most of the players tend to be of similar standards, especially as we’ve actually faced many of the teams who’ll be present and could therefore gauge our abilities against theirs.
“We’re no better or worse than them, and almost all the teams have similar chances of progressing to the knockout rounds. Of course, I hope with the backing of the fans and the people of the Emirates that we can show the UAE in a good light.”
Of Group A’s standout fixture, Al Hammadi added: “No one doubts Brazil, it’s a big name. But we hope playing them will inspire the players to perform even better.”
jmcauley@thenational.ae
