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UAE ready to take on Saudis

DUBAI - UAE will be without the services of midfielder Khaled Sabeel when the Whites line up against Saudi Arabia in tonight’s semifinal of the 20th Gulf Cup in Aden, Yemen. The match will get under way at 8pm UAE time.

The UAE team manager Ismail Rashid, however, played down Sabeel’s absence by saying they had adequate cover for the Al Jazira player although his was an important member of the team.

“Sabeel picked two yellow cards against Iraq and Bahrain, and sits out this game,” said the former UAE international.

The UAE coach Srecko Katanec said his team was not under pressure, having arrived in Yemen with an inexperienced squad.

“We are prepared for the Saudi test and determined to make it in the final,” he said. “I have seen the Saudis during the championship and we know it’s a very good side.

“What matters for me is to play total football against a well organized side,” the Slovenian coach told newsmen during the pre-match Press conference.

“I’m expecting each player to do his part. We are under no pressure and thank God we haven’t suffered any more injuries. We will play a very big match.”

Speaking about the possible outcome of the clash, Katanec said the Saudis have a very strong and well organised side.

“I have made my selections from among the players of the UAE clubs and they are representing the senior national team,” he said. “They were the next best players available as some of the key players were either with the Olympic team at the Asian Games in China or with Al Wahda, who are preparing for the Club World Cup.”

“But, in all cases, the present players performed satisfactorily and they would put me in a very difficult situation when I work on the AFC Asian Cup short-list.”

The Slovenian kept his cards close to his chest when he was asked about his possible formation and strategy for the crucial tie.

Saudi coach Jose Peseiro, meanwhile, said they would work to stop the elements of threat in the UAE national team while trying to make use of the weak points of his opponents.

“I admit I am under pressure because this is part of the game and the footballers must get used to it,” he said. “We came to give the youngsters a chance to improve their game and at the same time to win the title.

“Some of the players in the present squad may not make it to the AFC Asian Cup finals in Qatar. Everything would depend on the true form of the players.”