AFC Asian Qualifiers
The Emiratis staged a late fightback to overcome Oman 2-1 on Saturday to lead the Group A standings and only need to avoid defeat at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium to secure automatic qualification.
Cosmin Olaroiu’s second-half adjustments proved decisive, with substitutes Caio Canedo, Yahia Nader and Harib Abdalla making an immediate impact to spark the turnaround against Oman and the Romanian tactician can be expected to tinker with his starting lineup for the Qatar clash.
While Olaroiu was not in charge at that time, he will be determined to replicate UAE’s results in the previous stage against Qatar - a 3-1 victory followed by an emphatic 5-0 win - as UAE seek to seal a return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1990.
Marcos Meloni and Caio Lucas delivered the goals for the Emiratis against Oman while Ali Saleh, Nicolas Gimenez and Fabio Lima were influential throughout and Olaroiu’s side will fancy their chances despite Qatar having home ground advantage.
#AsianQualifiers - Road To 26 Playoffs | Group A : UAE 2-1 Oman
“We’ve had these two days between games to focus on recovering the players as much as possible, said Olaroiu. “It’s a very short period, so we need to pay close attention to this important factor ahead of tomorrow’s match.
“We’ve also been analysing the opponents, looking at the final details of their playing style and any possible changes they might make. Matches like this are all about mental strength and how we approach the game.
“Tomorrow, we go from two games down to one - the final battle. We have to treat it like a final and we hope we can achieve this dream for the UAE.”
Qatar, sitting second ahead of Oman on goal difference, head into the contest knowing only victory will see them advance to next year's tournament while a draw would mean having to navigate the playoff against the Group B runners-up for one final chance of qualifying for the global showpiece. .
While they produced an underwhelming performance in the goalless draw with Oman, the two-time AFC Asian Cup™ champions are not short on star quality but will need Akram Afif and Almoez Ali to lead from the start against a tough UAE.
#AsianQualifiers - Road To 26 Playoffs | Group A : Oman 0-0 Qatar
Julen Lopetegui's side will also be well rested, having played Oman last Wednesday, and with FIFA World Cup qualification just one match away, Qatar will be determined to not slip up.
“We’ve been working for months to reach this incredible opportunity and to chase a big dream, said Lopetegui. “Our focus is fully on the moment ahead and we’re preparing to be ready tomorrow to make that dream a reality."
“We’ve been working for months to reach this incredible opportunity and to chase a big dream, said Lopetegui. “Our focus is fully on the moment ahead and we’re preparing to be ready tomorrow to make that dream a reality."
“We know we’ll be facing a very strong national team - full of quality players and led by an excellent coach - but our attention is on our own strength, on our team. We’re ready and looking forward to tomorrow.I believe the story of our previous matches against them is already written but tomorrow’s story is still to be written.
“That’s why it’s crucial for us to compete at our best and have full confidence in ourselves. We need to trust in our team and our strengths. We must keep pushing to achieve this great dream we’ve been chasing for a long time and stay completely focused on the moment ahead.”
Qatar v UAE
Venue: Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Doha)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 20:00 (UTC+3)
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