ABU DHABI // Mahdi Ali, the UAE coach, is hoping his players can find their shooting boots when they face Uzbekistan in Tuesday night’s friendly, 6.30pm at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
They have been on target only once in their past four games – Norway (0-0), Lithuania (1-1), Paraguay (0-0) and Australia (0-0) – but Mahdi Ali said the team’s overall performances and the results are “satisfactory” ahead of their Gulf Cup title defence in Saudi Arabia next month.
"We created two clear chances against Australia. It is a different matter that we couldn't score," Mahdi Ali said. "These are the positives we can take from the last game when we meet Uzbekistan.
“On the other hand, we haven’t lost against four good teams in the past two months, and that is another positive we can take forward. So there are some good things that have come out of these friendlies.”
The UAE hold the edge against Uzbekistan, having beaten the Central Asian nation 2-1 at home and drawing 1-1 away in the Asian Cup qualifiers last year.
They drew 2-2 in an international friendly two years ago.
Uzbekistan come to Abu Dhabi after playing in recent friendlies against Qatar, losing 3-0 on October 6, and a scoreless draw against Bahrain four days ago.
Mahdi Ali said he may experiment with a few new combinations and also give some of his fringe players an opportunity.
It will also be the last friendly before they regroup again for a two-week camp ahead of the Gulf Cup from November 13 to 26.
“This camp will provide enough time to work on the areas we need to improve,” Mahdi Ali said.
“We hardly had three days to prepare for the two friendlies against Australia and Uzbekistan because of the domestic league.”
The UAE won the biennial championship for the second time in 2012, but Mahdi Ali said that win means nothing.
“To compare the Gulf Cup triumph two years ago is difficult,” he said. “So many things can change in two years.
“We were champions last time and that’s behind us.
“I can only say football knows only one language, that is, how much effort you put in to one game. What we have to continue with our work and continue to do well to be successful.
“As the champions, we expect tougher challenges ahead than last time in the competition.
“Obviously, the pressure will be on us. But I think my players are now well accustomed to handling pressure.”
apassela@thenational.ae
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