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UAE eye knock-out stage: Rumaithi

The UAEFA president Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi appeared confident ahead of their clash against North Korea in the opener of the Group D of the ongoing AFC Asian Cup at the Qatar Stadium which will kick off at 5.15pm (UAE time).

“We have well tuned the squad for the tough challenge and apart from bad refereeing and bad luck there’s nothing to be feared,” the country’s football chief said.

Speaking to newsmen in Doha on the eve of the UAE opening clash against North Korea, Al Rumaithi said they have concluded their preparations with a short training session in Muscat, Oman.

“We have played two warm-ups ties — against Syria and Australia. It’s interesting that most players from the present squad know each other very well. It’s a blend of youngsters from Olympic national teams and experienced players. All members of the team are keen to show their best. You have all noticed how Ahmed Jumaa, Mohammed Ahmed and Abdul Aziz Haikal were sad after being removed from the final shortlist,” he said.

Regarding Group D, in which UAE would face 2010 World Cup finalists, defending champions Iraq and Asia’s football powerhouse Iran, Al Rumaithi noted that the Boys in White are very competent.

“Our immediate strategy is to advance to the knock-out stage of the championship. We are not talking about our big dream to win the title so as to keep the players away from any pressure. Let’s get past the group stage. I hope everything will go according to plans and no injuries would be sustained. It’s not going to be an easy task for our team. North Korea is a big side which plays total football,” he said.

According to Al Rumaithi, the championship is a true test of the work done by Slovenian coach Srecko Katanec. “Katanec is a good coach and possesses the knowledge and understanding. Let’s hope for the better,” he added.

Meanwhile, Al Rumaithi said he is of the opinion to increase the number of the teams from 16 to 24 in the upcoming edition of the competition.

“Also, we hope the AFC would establish a reliable calendar for the championship,” he said.

Al Rumaithi urged the media not to create controversies. “We are in our second home and we do not need to be received at the airport by Qatari FA officials. We are at home. The people here were very busy. We are at home, I repeat,” he said.

“Again, we did not receive an official invitation to attend the opening ceremony probably because I have left Doha after the AFC Congress. This is the only interpretation and people should not magnify it to mean something else,” he clarified.

hisham@khaleejtimes.com