Marwan confident of Whites’ chances
dubai — UAE Football Association (UAE FA) President Marwan bin Ghalita is confident that the UAE will defeat Thailand and felt that the positive result will mark a new beginning and reignite their World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Whites take on Thailand in the Group B fixture at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on Tuesday evening and victory over The War Elephants is paramount in their hopes of making it to Russia in 2018.Bin Ghalita, who watched the squad’s training session along with other UAE FA officials, on the eve of the game, was pleased with the body language and the spirit shown by the team.
“The UAE FA backs the team to do well and we stand with them in this important journey,” said Bin Ghalita. “Everyone is optimistic of a positive outcome against Thailand and the match will be a new start for The Whites to revive their chances of qualifying for the World Cup in Russia in 2018. The players, helped by the coaching staff, have shown tremendous spirit and determination to continue on our road to Russia,” he added.
Bin Ghalita was also pleased with the efforts shown by the players during the training camps in the UAE, Malaysia and Thailand and hoped it would culminate in them gleaning three points against Thailand.
“The players have worked hard under Edgardo Bauza and they been very receptive to the new coach. I truly hope that the hard work that they have put in, will translate into victory,” Bin Ghalita said.
The squad took part in their final training session at the match venue with Bauza and his staff putting them through their paces.
Meanwhile, UAE’s talisman playmaker Omar Abdulrahman revealed that he and the rest of the squad have got on really well with new coach Bauza.
“We have prepared well according to the programme developed by new coach Edgardo Bauza. We have struck a good relationship with Bauza and his coaching staff and it is a very professional setup. Over the course of the three camps, the players and the coaching staff have been able to strike and important partnership,” said Omar Abdulrahman.
Omar, nicknamed ‘Amoory,’ also felt that the UAE still can qualify for the World Cup in Russia. “We still have the oppportunity to qualify. Victory in the remaining three games will increase our chances and I’m confident that the team can come up with a strong showing,” he said.
james@khaleejtimes.com