First test On Tuesday, the UAE attempt to get their 2018 World Cup campaign up and running again when they host Iraq in Abu Dhabi. Currently fourth in Group B after last month's 3-0 defeat in Saudi Arabia, they need a win at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium to retain hopes at the halfway stage of finishing in the top two automatic qualifying spots for the Russia event.
Second test Abdulrahman captains Al Ain four days later at South Korea's Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, in the first leg of the Champions League final. The Garden City club, champions in 2003, remain the only UAE side to have won the continental crown, but have not participated in the final since 2005. The second leg takes place at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on November 26.
Serving his country "Of course, our target and our ambition is to get to the World Cup, and we had a really strong start with the win over Japan," Abdulrahman said. "It's a good chance, although it's still a difficult chance, too. But nothing is impossible. If we continue to work hard, we can qualify. There is no secret, no magic formula. There is team unity and a team cooperation, and with the work of our coaching staff and the effort of the players, God willing, we will get to the World Cup."
Also from John McAuley: Walid Abbas labels Iraq game 'a final'
Asian player of year "I don't think of being the best player, all I'm thinking of now is going to the final and doing well with the national team," said Abdulrahman, who was last week confirmed on a three-man shortlist for the award. "The Asian Champions League means far more to me than being Asia's best player. I hope to be No 1 with the whole team. If I win the best player and we lose the championship, it doesn't mean anything – we've lost everything. It only matters if you win the final. So I hope to win both."
Moving to Europe in future "Of course, I dream of that, but at the moment I have a specific target with Al Ain," Abdulrahman said. "Once I achieve that, only then can I think about playing in a professional league. Europe is always an ambition, but like I said, only after achieving my ambitions with my club. If the chance to turn professional is still there at that point, then it's something I would consider."
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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