UAE team prepare for stiff Venezuela test
MAJED WARNS IT WILL BE DIFFERENT TO HONDURAS TIE
Shabab Ahli midfielder Majed Hassan has warned his UAE teammates that today’s friendly against Venezuela in Barcelona from 8pm (UAE time) will be much tougher than Thursday’s 1-1 draw against Honduras.
The Whites are currently on camp in Spain from October 6-16 in preparation for next year’s UAE-hosted Asian Cup from January 5 to February 1, where they face India, Bahrain and Thailand in Group A.
Alberto Zaccheroni’s side drew 1-1 against Honduras on Thursday in the first of their two friendlies in Barcelona — a side ranked 15 positions above them in the rankings.
They now take on a bigger force in Venezuela, who are ranked 45 positions above them. “We were satisfied with the level we showed against Honduras,” said Hassan. “We were close to winning if only we had converted our chances.
“The next match against Venezuela will be completely different, given that they are one of the strongest teams in South America and occupy an advanced position in the rankings,” Al Ain beat Al Dhafra 1-0 at home yesterday to confirm their place in the Arabian Gulf Cup quarter-finals. Caio Fernandes got the game’s only goal on 27 minutes after an assist from Sa’ad Khamis.
The result leaves the Boss joint top of Group B, level on nine points with Al Nasr after four rounds of matches. Al Ain are now guaranteed to finish inside the top four, thus qualifying them for the last eight of the competition.
With this defeat, Al Dhafra were leapfrogged for third position by Al Jazira who also beat Sharjah 1-0 away yesterday. Nacer Barazite got the goal in that game on 44 minutes after being set-up by Abdullah Ramadan. Al Wahda earlier confirmed their berth in the quarters on Sunday with a 2-0 win at home to Dibba to stay top of Group A on 12 points with four wins from four. he added of 32nd ranked Venezuela.
“The atmosphere in camp is positive especially from the morale standpoint as the players are doing everything in their power to provide the best levels.”
Widespread criticism
There was widespread criticism of the team and coach Zaccheroni after their last camp in Spain last month where they lost 2-0 to Trinidad and Tobago in a friendly before beating Laos 3-0 in Girona.
One of the reasons for players getting over that so quickly, was the re-introduction of veteran Al Wahda striker Esmail Matar back into the side after a year out of the squad, said Hassan.
“He motivates the players in training and matches and gives daily advice to players. Considering his reputation in the team he’s important technically because of the level he offers, as well as the morale.”
After this, the UAE will have two domestic training camps from November 6-20 and December 15-31, before embarking on January’s Asian Cup hosting.
The UAE finished third in the last Asian Cup in Australia four years ago. Defending champions Australia and record most-winners Japan, Saudi and Iran, all on three wins, will be favourites along with last edition’s runners-up South Korea.