Ismail Ahmed says the UAE’s victory against Japan last September will have little bearing when the sides meet again in Thursday’s vital 2018 World Cup qualifier in Al Ain.
Mahdi Ali's men, currently fourth in Group B and one point behind the second-placed Japanese, kick-started the final phase of qualification six months ago with a shock win in Saitama, when Ahmed Khalil scored twice for the visitors to prevail 2-1.
The UAE now host their lofty rivals in the return fixture at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium knowing another victory would take them above Japan with four matches remaining and significantly enhance their prospects of clinching the country’s place at only a second World Cup.
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The top two teams progress automatically to next year’s finals, while the third-placed side goes into a series of play-offs. Saudi Arabia currently top the standings by virtue of their superior goal difference. Australia, the reigning Asian champions who the UAE face in Sydney on March 28, sit third.
However, despite last September’s result, defender Ahmed understands the threat posed by Japan, who are unbeaten since that defeat to the UAE.
“It’s true that we recorded a victory against Japan on their home pitch in the first round of the qualification, but that is over,” he said. “The circumstances will be different this time around. We should prove ourselves on the pitch and get all three points. It’s important not to lose.
“Any game at the moment is decisive and should be won and all the points taken. There is no room for defeat, especially when playing at home. We know our opponents and are well aware that it won’t be an easy game, even at home and among our fans. But our aim is to secure yet another victory.”
The UAE go into the match with a number of injury concerns. On Sunday, Amer Abdulrahman pulled out of the squad with a knee injury and will not be replaced, while fellow midfielder Majed Hassan is already absent. Meanwhile, Al Ahli striker Khalil, the 2015 Asian player of the year, continues to be monitored to determine if he will be available for selection on Thursday.
Ahmed, though, is confident the UAE possess enough strength in depth to get a positive result.
“We know our opponents well,” he said. “They have fast players and have a lot who play professionally in Europe. However, our respect for them does not lessen our value, as we have top players who know how to stay focused and have a fighting spirit.”
Ahmed also insisted that any inter-club rivalry between the UAE players has been put to one side during this week’s training camp in Al Ain, saying: “We’ve left the clubs’ atmosphere. We are now with the national team and feel like one family — we carry and respect the national team’s banner. There is no such thing as an Al Ahli, Al Ain or Al Jazira player as we all play for the national team. We will build on the high morale to score a victory.”
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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