Abu Dhabi: United Arab Emirates should think again if they are expecting to dominate proceedings at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium on Tuesday, according to Saudi Arabia coach Bert van Marwijk.
The Saudis head into their final 2018 FIFA World Cup/2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifier with a three-point lead over second-placed UAE, meaning they only need to avoid a draw to secure top spot.
However, even if they fall to second place, they would still progress to the next stage of World Cup qualifiers, as well as book their place at the 2019 Asian Cup, given their excellent record would see them finish as one of the four best runners-up.
But while adopting a conservative approach would seem like a sensible gameplan, Van Marwijk is adamant the Green Falcons will be going all out for the win in Abu Dhabi.
“I think the Emirates they have to win and we want also to win and we will play to win and not defend or something,” said the Dutchman.
“We are really looking forward to this game.
“I think the Emirates and Saudi are the two best teams of this pool and everybody knows we have already qualified for the next round for Russia 2018.
“Our goal difference is good but we will not consider that as we want to play and reach our own level.”
The next round of World Cup qualifiers will see Asia’s top 12 teams battle for four automatic qualifying berths and one playoff berth, and Van Marwijk is confident his charges have the quality to match it with some stern opposition.
“In the next round, there are a lot of good teams like China, Australia, Korea Republic, Japan and Iran, so there are four teams who will qualify (for the World Cup),” said the 63-year-old, who previously led Netherlands to the final of the 2010 World Cup.
“I think we are also at the same level as these teams, maybe just under the quality of maybe Japan or Korea Republic.
“But I think we have a chance and the UAE have a chance also.”
After qualifying for fourth consecutive World Cups between 1994 and 2006, the Saudis missed out on the past two editions in South Africa and Brazil respectively.
UAE NOT GIVING UP ON 2018 WORLD CUP DREAM
Abu Dhabi: United Arab Emirates coach Mahdi Ali claims his side will not go down without a fight as they aim to advance to the third round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying by beating Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Currently trailing the Saudis by three points in Group A, UAE know that victory at the Mohammed Bin Zayad Stadium will be enough to guarantee them progress, either by pipping their opponents to top spot or as one of the four best runners-up.
Anything less than that will leave their fate in the hands of other results, although there remains a decent chance they could finish inside the top four in the rankings of the second-placed teams.
Given this is their best chance to qualify for the World Cup in recent years, Ali is determined that his charges make the most of this opportunity when they face off against the Saudis on Tuesday.
“It will be the last chance for some of them to play at a World Cup and we won’t let go of that chance very easily,” he said.
“It’s our biggest dream to qualify for the World Cup.”
The 50-year-old claims they are under less pressure than before last Thursday’s qualifier against Palestine, which ultimately ended in a 2-0 win for them.
“There was more pressure for the previous game as we were thinking about two games then,” Ali added.
“I’m always optimistic as we have been in difficult times before.
“We are strong in these situations and I hope tomorrow (Tuesday) it will be the same.”
UAE will however be without the suspended midfield trio of Esmail Al Hammadi, Majid Hassan and Habib Fardan, while a huge injury doubt remains hanging over star striker Ali Mabkhout.
While the matches also double up as qualifiers for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, the Emiratis have already sealed their presence at the tournament given their status of hosts.
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