Following the UAE’s damaging defeat to Japan on Thursday, John McAuley looks at how the national can improve in time for the crucial next 2018 World Cup qualifier against Australia on Tuesday.
The UAE need Khalil fit and firing
The news arrived once the teams were confirmed, but nevertheless it had always felt a long shot. Ahmed Khalil, the top scorer in the whole of qualification for the World Cup, had not passed a late fitness test, a calf injury ruling him out completely. Japan would have taken heart from his absence: it was Khalil who orchestrated the UAE's victory in last September, scoring both goals in that vaunted 2-1 win. While Khalil's influence at Al Ahli can be inconsistent, he is undoubtedly a shining light for his country. Evidently, they missed his presence on Thursday. He should make Australia, though. It will provide a huge fillip to the UAE, both in what he brings on the pitch and his reputation among his opponents on the continent.
Injuries and suspensions hit hard
Admittedly, Japan were far superior on Thursday, a team packed with European-based players and used to the grand stage deservedly collecting the points. Yet the UAE were struck by a number of key absences for a vitally important encounter. In defence, Hamdan Al Kamali’s surprise inclusion was precipitated by Ismail Ahmed’s injury — a significant blow given both his partnership with Mohanad Salem and his international pedigree. In midfield, Mahdi Ali was without Majed Hassan (pictured No 17), arguably the side’s most talented central midfielder, the experienced Amer Abdulrahman and Tariq Ahmed, Al Nasr’s tenacious tackler, who was suspended. Both Ahmeds should return for Australia, together with Khalil, giving the team more options and a sturdier spine. No doubt, the UAE will be all the better for it.
Omar must live up to his billing
Used to stockpiling man-of-the-match awards, against Japan Omar Abdulrahman was some way short of his vintage. The current Asian player of the year had been expected to play an integral part in the UAE’s bid for three huge points, but instead he disappointed. Guilty of routinely giving the ball away, his radar was way off and his temperament questioned following an incident with Eiji Kawashima, when he thrust his studs into the Japan goalkeeper’s back. It was another high-profile match in which Abdulrahman has failed to dominate. In Sydney on Tuesday, considerable improvement is required. Abdulrahman is undeniably the national team’s most talented player, but he needs to show it when the stakes are highest. Rightfully, the UAE rely on him to sparkle. The Australia match demands it.
There were positives against Japan
Despite Japan’s victory, and the relative comfort with which they secured it, there were a few bright spots for the UAE. Recently, Ismail Al Hammadi, pictured, has looked a shadow of the player who for so long has been regarded one of the Arabian Gulf League’s best locals. But he was one of the standouts for the hosts against Japan, even if he should have equalised minutes before Yasuyuki Konno doubled this visitors’ advantage. Likewise, Ahmed Barman produced an assured display, the Al Ain youngster’s inexperience at this level not especially obvious. No doubt he was helped by Khamis Esmail alongside him. The midfielder was a very evident and extremely vocal presence at the heart of the UAE side. If only the majority of his teammates followed suit.
Mabkhout should channel Asian Cup 2015
In the 20th minute on Thursday, with the UAE already 1-0 down, Ali Mabkhout was presented a golden opportunity. The Al Jazira forward, comfortably the lead marksman in this season’s Arabian Gulf League, fluffed his lines, shooting straight at Kawashima when through on goal. Had that gone in, the match may have turned out differently. It feels strange to say, but Mabkhout’s domestic goal glut has masked the fact he is some way off the striker who top-scored at the 2015 Asian Cup. Against Japan, his touch and technique let him down, as if the magnitude of the match prevented him from showcasing his true ability. Mabkhout has earned the right to be considered one of the continent’s top strikers; he simply needs to show why. Australia offers the perfect opportunity.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport
