UAE footballers begin preparations for Iraq test

Coach Mahdi Ali talks to his players at the Tahnoun bin Mohammed Stadium.

Ahead of a what is a crucial fortnight on their road to Russia, the UAE football squad began an intensive training camp at Al Ain, away from the prying eyes of the rest of the world.
Coach Mahdi Ali put his squad through the paces at the Tahnoun bin Mohammed Stadium from Friday night. The Whites are preparing for their fifth match of the third round of the World Cup Qualifiers against Iraq on November 15.
Mahdi Ali had announced a 23-man squad but only 20 players reported for training. Amer Abdulrahman was excluded from the list because of an injury and will miss the game against Iraq. The Al Ain playmaker underwent medical tests which revealed that he needs rest and rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, defenders Ismail Ahmed of Al Ain and Hamdan Al Kamali of Al Wahda missed training because of a minor injury and so did Al Wahda striker Mohamed Alakberi. The three will resume training over the next few days.
Talisman Ismail Matar has been called up to the squad and his inclusion could be pivotal as the Whites tackle Iraq in a fortnight's time. The squad assembled in Al Ain after the players completed their engagements with their respective clubs in the sixth round of the Arabian Gulf League last Wednesday and Thursday.
As a tune-up to the fixture against Iraq, the UAE will play Bahrain in a friendly at the Tahnoun bin Mohammed Stadium on November 9. The camp concludes on November 10 after which the squad will travel to the UAE Capital of Abu Dhabi. The will train in Abu Dhabi until they take on Iraq at Al Jazira's Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, their designated home venue, on November 15.
UAE Football Association President Marwan bin Ghalita called on everyone to support their UAE National team as they prepare for this crucial qualifer against the Iraqis. "I hope each and everyone will come to Stadium and support the UAE team. The players and coaching staff needs all our support as they push for qualification to Russia," said Marwan bin Ghalita.
The Whites are placed fourth in the six-team Group B with two wins and two defeats.
They had begun their campaign with a great result - a 2-1 victory over heavyweights Japan at the Saitama Stadium 2002 before going down to Australia by a solitary goal in Abu Dhabi. The UAE then defeated Thailand 3-1 at home and seemed to be doing well against their neighbours Saudi Arabia at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah before going down 3-0. So, the match against Iraq assumes a lot of importance if they are to climb up the table. Only the top two automatically qualify for the World Cup to be held in Russia in 2017.
james@khaleejtimes.com