UAE boss Dr Abdullah Misfer has declared the fight to secure a spot at Rio 2016 is wide open ahead of the nation’s AFC U-23 Championship opener against Australia on Thursday night. The Whites need a top-three finish in Qatar this month to earn a second-successive entry into the Olympics.
The Olyroos are first up at Grand Hamad Stadium in Group D and former Al Dhafra supremo Misfer is under no illusion about the task facing him. He said: “The technical level of all 16 teams in Asia is very high and we expect fierce competition between all teams.
“All the teams have a chance to win and we are one of the teams coming to compete at this tournament and qualify for the Olympics. The preparation depends on the team and the quality of the team, but of course we respect Australia. We have to play well against Australia, but we have a good team and we can perform well.”
The UAE arrived in Doha on Sunday following a three-week preparatory period which included two separate training camps, plus friendly victories against North Korea and China and a defeat to hotly-tipped South Korea.
They boast a talented squad, headlined by Al Jazira playmaker Khalfan Mubarak, Al Wahda forward Mohamed Al Akbari and Al Ain defensive midfielder Ahmed Barman. A top-two finish in their pool will provide entry to the quarter-finals, with Jordan on Sunday and Vietnam on Wednesday awaiting after the Australia test.
“After the group stage, we can talk about competing for the title and if we can qualify for Rio 2016,” Misfer insisted.
Australia and the UAE also competed against each for a berth at London 2012. The pair shared a goalless draw in Adelaide before a solitary effort from Al Ain superstar Omar Abdulrahman settled a tight contest in Abu Dhabi.
The Olyroos eventually finished at the foot of the qualifying table without a win, while the UAE went on to catch the eye at the Games.
This recent history ensured coach Aurelio Vidmar was taking nothing for granted. He said: “We know the UAE very well. Our country has a long history with games against the UAE. They have talented players and if you look back at the last generation which is now with the senior team, I see the same in this group.”
