UAE eye slice of Asiad history

The UAE national team will look to make history when they line up against Japan in the final of the football competition of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou.

Japan advanced to the final after beating Iran 2-1 while UAE shattered South Korea’s 24-year-long dream of an Asian Games football gold medal with a 1-0 extra-time victory.

According to Mohammed Obaid Hammad, UAE national teams’ manager, all his players are in their best form and remained fully relaxed and focused after their tough clash against South Korea.

“The players have exceeded all our expectations and they did everything right against South Korea. Reaching the final of the competition is a great achievement by itself, but now the sky is the limit. Our dreams have grown bigger,” Hammad said.

Top performer and the maestro of the midfield Amer Abdul Rahman said they are determined to delight their fans and do their nation proud.

“Our clash against Korea was very tough. We have been facing some difficulties after the injury to Ahmed Khalil, but we are happy that he’s made a quick return to the pitch.

“I think we have every chance to make history and win the first-ever Asian Games gold medal for the country,” he added.

Al Ain’s playmaker Omer Abdul Rahman echoed the same opinion saying that they will give their best in the final. “It’s a tough test and we will live up to the challenge,” he promised.

The UAE keepers’ coach Hassan Ismail said Al Jazira’s keeper Ali Khusaif played a crucial role in the qualification of the national team to the final.

“Khusaif is a gift of heavens to the UAE football. The courageous saves, which he has made against Japan, were the main factor behind the victory. I think he is a true champion,” he said.

Meanwhile, the players dedicated the victory to the injured keeper Yousuf Abdul Rahman who’s recovering from a road accident.

Shaikh Saif congratulates team