They have a combined total of 11 World Cup appearances, both have four points from two games in World Cup qualification and both know that a win in Riyadh will be a huge boost on the road to South Africa. Tonight's clash between Saudi Arabia and South Korea is a huge game.
Two powerhouses from either side of the continent meet with the East Asians looking to end a recent run of bad results against the Sons of the Desert.
Korea have lost three and drawn two of the last five meetings. "It is a tough game but we have come here to win," said Korea's Manchester United star Park Ji-sung.
"We don't have a good record against them. We will do our best to change that."
Korea drew 1-1 in Qatar last Friday, a disappointing performance after the 4-1 thrashing of UAE in Seoul last month. "I am not interested in this result," said coach Huh Jung-Moo. "The important game is Saudi Arabia."
Despite the problems, the hosts are the favourites. In front of 65,000 fans at King Fahd International Stadium, a fourth consecutive win would put the Saudis in a great position for World Cup number five.
In Group One, Pim Verbeek has vowed Australia will go all-out for victory in their against Bahrain despite the absence of a number of key players through injury.
Brett Emerton, Vince Grella, Scott McDonald and Craig Moore are just some of the names missing through various injuries.
"We will go into the game aiming for a win as we will field the best players that we have available," said Verbeek. Bahrain coach Milan Macala wants nothing but a victory from his side. "We will fight to get the three points because a draw or defeat will put us out of contention," he said.
Japan are looking to record a crucial victory over Qatar when the two sides meet at Al Sadd Stadium. "We want to go back with three points. That's our aim. My players are in great condition," said their coach Takeshi Okada.
Former UAE manager Bruno Metsu is still seeking his first win as Qatar coach after three matches in charge.
"Japan are one of the top teams in Asia. But I know their weaknesses, I know how they play. We are ready for them," he said.
@Email:sports@thenational.ae
Maestro
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The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The alternatives
• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.
• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.
• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.
• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.
• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases - but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Scoreline
UAE 2-1 Saudi Arabia
UAE Mabkhout 21’, Khalil 59’
Saudi Al Abed (pen) 20’
Man of the match Ahmed Khalil (UAE)
Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
