The UAE’s place in the Asian Games round of 16 as one of the two teams in the three-team group is effectively booked, even as they prepare for the test against Jordan in Incheon, South Korea, on Thursday.
After the UAE'sir 5-0 romp over India in the opener they face Jordan and coach Ali Ibrahim said his side can take that momentum forward for a first-place finish in Group G.
“This game is of extreme importance for us to avoid a tougher game in the knockout round of the competition,” Ali Ibrahim said.
“It is Jordan’s first game and they will have the same thought as they play India next. They are familiar opponents. We expect a tougher game and we are prepared for it.”
A first-place finish for the UAE will earn them a knockout-round meeting with the Group H runners-up. That group includes Vietnam, Iran and Kyrgyzstan.
Salim Ali, the Al Jazira midfielder, revealed the upbeat mood in their camp after the good start.
“We have been told to take one game at a time, so the focus is certainly in the next game. That’s the way to go, yet I can’t help thinking of playing in the Olympics,” he said.
“It is not only me, but all my teammates have the same dream. That thought keeps us motivated. We had a great first game and want to build on it.
“We know every game is different, and the more we go forward the tougher becomes the opposition. But when you want to play at the bigger stage, we should be able to win against any opponent. That’s what we are trying to do.
“We will do everything within our capabilities to win the three points from Jordan.”
The UAE won the silver medal in China four years ago and a passage to the London Olympics in 2012.
The Asian Games tournament is similar to the Olympics, with an Under 23 squad being supplemented by three over-age players.
It was the three over-age players – the captain Saeed Al Kathiri, Bandar Al Ahbabi and Sultan Bargash – who did the bulk of the work in their opening game. The UAE coach will need a major contribution from Salim Ali and the rest of the line-up to achieve their objective of finishing on top of the group.
apassela@thenational.ae
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