Keeper Khalid Eisa gives wings to Al Ain dreams

Al Ain keeper Khalid Eisa is thrown into the air by his team mates after he saved a crucial penalty to guide his team into the Fifa Club World Cup final.

 
 
When you see Al Ain keeper Khalid Eisa in an extra-time scenario and the way he takes his time to release the ball while consuming crucial seconds, it becomes evident that the 29-year-old is confident about his abilities if it comes down to penalty shootout.
Even in the final minutes of extra time, Eisa stands clam and composed, maybe making his mental preparations for the spot kicks.
No wonder then that Al Ain coach Zoran Mamic backs his team to see through penalties situation. The Croatian knows that Eisa is alert and prepared, and for him penalties aren't always lotteries but test of skills.
"Penalties are little bit of luck and concentration but we believe that we can win in a penalty shootout. We do," coach Mamic said.
And the stopper hasn't disappointed yet in the Fifa Club World Cup UAE 2018. He produced crucial saves and stopped penalties against Team Wellington and River Plate to present Al Ain a shot at the coveted title.
"All of this is possible as I follow the instructions of the coach (Mamic)," Eisa said on saving River Plate's Enzo Perez's fifth and final penalty to help Al Ain win 5-4 in the semis at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.
Eisa had previously said that Mamic gives inputs on each player after watching videos of the opponents and it helps his preparations.
The keeper noted that the entire unit at Al Ain got united in their common dream of reaching the final.
"We had to push hard with so many matches and extra times in last few days. Playing every two days is not easy but the support staff helped us to recover very well."
He noted that it is the values of determination and team spirit which drives Al Ain when they are pushed to the wall.
"We are still young. We are hoping to enjoy. We love football to the hilt. And the results are evident about all these aspects. Being in the final is an honour and achievement for the club, fans and the UAE."
The UAE is all set to host its biggest match at Zayed Sports City on Saturday. And Eisa is eagerly awaiting his next opponent.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com