Foes, both familiar and formidable, block the UAE’s path to World Cup 2018.
The draw for the third and final round of qualifying was a chastening experience for anyone expecting a waltz towards Russia.
The previous two Asian Cup winners in Australia and Japan look set to dominate in Group B, while the magnet which draws Arabian Gulf rivals Saudi Arabia towards the UAE retained a strong pull in Kuala Lumpur. Bar miraculous turns from inconsistent Iraq and Thailand – the lowest ranked side to progress – the UAE are among a quartet set to scrap for the two automatic berths and the right to contest for the intercontinental play-off which third spot guarantees.
This is no time for the ‘golden generation’ to lose their nerve about a long-held dream. Years of progress under the parental watch of boss Mahdi Ali has prepared them for this challenge.
The road ahead is an arduous one. No one should be under any illusion about it.
But they must go forward without fear to top the success enjoyed by entry to the London 2012 Olympics, victory at the 2013 Gulf Cup and third-place at the 2015 Asian Cup. Inimitable joy is achieveable if they believe. The highest-ranked duo look locked in for the top two. Australia were far more dominant than their 2-0, semi-final triumph against the UAE at the most recent Asian Cup suggested. The enlivening penalty-shootout win against Japan which secured that tie was also highly fortunate.
Any points for the Whites from the opening clashes against this pair on September 1 (in Japan) and September 6 (at home to Australia) should be cherished.
Just like in the second round, the threat of the Saudis looms largest. Under coach Bert van Marwijk, who led the Netherlands to the 2010 World Cup final, a Middle Eastern giant is being reawakened.
A year-long battle between the neighbours to finish third looks destined. History both old and new is against the UAE, yet talent can be on their side.
Their one-off appearance in 1990 pales in comparison to the Saudi’s four successive qualifications from 1994-2006.
2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Asian Qualifiers / Group_B UAE Matches. pic.twitter.com/k0kh12cjom
— uaefa (@uaefa_ae) April 13, 2016
A disheartening 2-1 loss in Jeddah last October which featured a late penalty also made it seven successive victories for the Green Falcons and ultimately secured top spot in their pool. Last month’s 1-1 draw meant little in the UAE’s bid to progress as one of the four-best runners-up, but it can be used as a source of inspiration.
Omar Abdulrahman showed he possessed a talent unmatched in the ranks of his country of birth, a composed leveller the least his performance deserved. Lethal marksman Ali Mabkhout can only improve after injury curtailed his influence that night in Abu Dhabi, while 2015 AFC Asian Player of the Year Ahmed Khalil and dominant centre-back Ismail Ahmed would grace any side on the continent.
Those players must not be daunted during the trip to either Riyadh or Jeddah on October 11 and the potentially-pivotal return clash on August 31, 2017. Exhibit more diffidence in those meetings and the repercussions will be fatal.
Another showdown with the Saudis is imminent and unavoidable. The moment has come for the ‘golden generation’ to prove their mettle.
