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UAE lock horns with Oman

The two Gulf neigbours will lock horns at the 22^nd May Stadium in Aden on Friday. UAE has been doing the better work in head-to-head clashes at continental and regional levels.

“The draw against Iraq in the opener gave us a very big morale push,” the top performer told newsmen in Aden, where the national team is preparing to regain the 2007 Gulf title which the UAE had lost to Oman in 2008.

Nasser played a crucial role in keeping the back of his net intact during the opening clash against Iraq, which ended in a 0-0 stalemate. The Iraqis dominated the game and Nasser courageously saved a penalty kick executed by Iraqi scoring machine Younus Mahmoud. He also blocked a move from Nashaat Akram from inside the six-yard box. “We are looking forward to making it to the final. There’s nothing impossible in football though; there’s nothing easy as well,” he said. “Oman will miss their Premiership’s keeper Ali A; Habsi, but I believe they have many other good keepers who would compensate for A; Habsi’s absence,” he clarified.

According to the Al Jazira playmaker and UAE skipper Subait Khater the football-crazy fans in Yemen played a big role in the 20^th Gulf Cup in Aden and Abyan getting a successful start.

Speaking to newsmen after yesterday’s workout, the talented midfielder praised the hard work of the organising committee of the championship. “The security concern has disappeared and security personnel are ensuring the safety of participants. I think they are deployed in sufficient numbers to ensure our safety and there’s nothing to worry about,” he said.

However, he was not happy with the artificial surface at the stadium. “But the artificial surface of the 22^nd May Stadium is the only drawback so far. We are not accustomed to such surface otherwise we could have produced a better performance against Iraq,” he added.

Khater said there were many newcomers in the squad who wanted to prove their worth and this has positively contributed to the good performance of the team.

“The competition between players and the harmony between experienced and young players has boosted our chances. But I would like to mention that we are here to ensure the success of the competition, which brings the youth of the Gulf together. This is our main objective and after that comes the chase for the title,” he said.

Khater thanked the authorities for the strong support football has been receiving at the highest level in the country.

“We are glad to see Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al-Owais, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, attending the opening game and visiting our players. I would also like to thank the UAEFA president Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi for all what he has been doing for the game. I think there’s nothing missing for us and it’s our duty to pay back the debt to our nation,” he said.

Khater has urged fans to come out in big numbers for the national team’s engagements. “It would be interesting to see fans packing the stadiums during local competitions and the national teams’ engagements. Without our faithful fans we can’t reach the level of success which we are looking forward to achieve,” he said.

Nasser and Khater also wished the UAE Olympic national team all the best in their tough clash against Japan in the final of the football competition of the 16^th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China. “Finally, I would like to congratulate the Olympic national team for reaching the final of the Asian Games and wish them every success,” Khater added.

For UAE midfielder Yousuf Jaber, the Gulf Cup is a great opportunity to enjoy the game and the cheering of the enthusiastic Yemeni spectators. “I like it,” the Bani Yas left winger said. Jaber said they didn’t perform to their best in the first half of the opening game against Iraq, but as the match progressed players hit their stride. “Our team is a blend of experienced and youngsters and they have successfully achieved the required harmony and hopefully everything will be better in our derby against Oman,” he said. Regarding the spot-kick, which has been counted against him in the second half, Jaber said it was embarrassing. “The competition is a good preparation for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup in Doha,” he noted.

hisham@khaleejtimes.com