The UAE national team held Paraguay to a scoreless draw to return unbeaten in three games from their camp in Austria.
They held Norway to a scoreless draw and scored a late equalizer to secure a 1-1 result against Lithuania four days ago.
“It’s been a great camp, we have achieved what we set out to do,” UAE coach Mahdi Ali said.
“We wanted to give a lot of players a run out, while at the same time maintaining the harmony of the group that already exists. All the matches were tough, and hopefully that will reflect on the team in the coming matches.”
Last night’s opponents were the toughest of the foes the UAE faced in the friendly series. Paraguay are ranked No 47 in the world by Fifa, 18 places above the UAE.
“Every match has its own set of circumstances,” Mahdi Ali said when he was asked if it was their toughest test. “Tonight, the team performed very well, but I know that they can be even better, and hope that will be shown in the coming matches.”
The UAE had a golden opportunity to draw first blood, but Ahmed Khalil miscued a shot after an excellent move 10 minutes from the whistle. Ismail Ahmed’s header off a corner fell wide early in the second half.
The UAE could score only once in three games although the manager didn’t seem to be stressed out regarding the side’s fairly punchless offence.
“No, it’s fine, we are still at the start of the season, some of the players are not at peak form yet and need some more time,” Mahdi Ali said. “We’re not too concerned. I’m certain we’ll score in the competitive matches. I have also no worries as we are at the start of the season, so we shouldn’t be talking about exhaustion.
“My only concern is that the players are all fit when we get back together. Hopefully, we will have a full squad to choose from in the training camps and the two tournaments.”
The UAE are preparing for their Gulf Cup defence in Saudi Arabia from November 13 to 26, followed by the Asian Cup in Australia from January 9 to 31.
apassela@thenational.ae
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