Abu Dhabi: United Arab Emirates coach Mahdi Ali claims his side will not go down without a fight as they aim to advance to the third round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying by beating Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Currently trailing the Saudis by three points in Group A, UAE know that victory at the Mohammed Bin Zayad Stadium will be enough to guarantee them progress, either by pipping their opponents to top spot or as one of the four best runners-up.
Anything less than that will leave their fate in the hands of other results, although there remains a decent chance they could finish inside the top four in the rankings of the second-placed teams.
Given this is their best chance to qualify for the World Cup in recent years, Ali is determined that his charges make the most of this opportunity when they face off against the Saudis on Tuesday.
“It will be the last chance for some of them to play at a World Cup and we won’t let go of that chance very easily,” he said.
“It’s our biggest dream to qualify for the World Cup.”
The 50-year-old claims they are under less pressure than before last Thursday’s qualifier against Palestine, which ultimately ended in a 2-0 win for them.
“There was more pressure for the previous game as we were thinking about two games then,” Ali added.
“I’m always optimistic as we have been in difficult times before.
“We are strong in these situations and I hope tomorrow (Tuesday) it will be the same.”
UAE will however be without the suspended midfield trio of Esmail Al Hammadi, Majid Hassan and Habib Fardan, while a huge injury doubt remains hanging over star striker Ali Mabkhout.
While the matches also double up as qualifiers for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, the Emiratis have already sealed their presence at the tournament given their status of hosts.
Photo: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com