Abu Dhabi: United Arab Emirates should think again if they are expecting to dominate proceedings at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium on Tuesday, according to Saudi Arabia coach Bert van Marwijk.
The Saudis head into their final 2018 FIFA World Cup/2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifier with a three-point lead over second-placed UAE, meaning they only need to avoid a draw to secure top spot.
However, even if they fall to second place, they would still progress to the next stage of World Cup qualifiers, as well as book their place at the 2019 Asian Cup, given their excellent record would possibly see them finish as one of the four best runners-up.
But while adopting a conservative approach would seem like a sensible gameplan, Van Marwijk is adamant the Green Falcons will be going all out for the win in Abu Dhabi.
“I think the Emirates they have to win and we want also to win and we will play to win and not defend or something,” said the Dutchman.
“We are really looking forward to this game.
“I think the Emirates and Saudi are the two best teams of this pool and everybody knows we have already qualified for the next round for Russia 2018.
“Our goal difference is good but we will not consider that as we want to play and reach our own level.”
The next round of World Cup qualifiers will see Asia’s top 12 teams battle for four automatic qualifying berths and one playoff berth, and Van Marwijk is confident his charges have the quality to match it with some stern opposition.
“In the next round, there are a lot of good teams like China, Australia, Korea Republic, Japan and Iran, so there are four teams who will qualify (for the World Cup),” said the 63-year-old, who previously led Netherlands to the final of the 2010 World Cup.
“I think we are also at the same level as these teams, maybe just under the quality of maybe Japan or Korea Republic.
“But I think we have a chance and the UAE have a chance also.”
After qualifying for fourth consecutive World Cups between 1994 and 2006, the Saudis missed out on the past two editions in South Africa and Brazil respectively.
Photo: SAFF
Source: the-afc.com