As the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour stops by Abu Dhabi, UAE FA president Yousuf Al Serkal reminisced about the Whites’ sole participation at the 1990 World Cup in Italy and hopes the UAE qualify for the 2018 edition in Russia.
Al Serkal sees the trophy visit as a sign of the UAE’s strong relationship with FIFA, having recently hosted the U17 World Cup.
He also sees it as a chance to spark some ambition in the heart of every Emirati to help the national team continue their run of recent success.
“This trophy visit is considered a way of honouring our previous generation that built the proper foundation which paved the way for our current footballing generation,” said Al Serkal.
“It also demonstrates our good relationship with FIFA and their recognition of the progress we have made in recent years.
“We dream of qualifying to the 2018 World Cup in Russia. We have to plan from now, build a solid foundation and make use of our resources, the available talent and the technical staff.”
The Whites have had a sensational 2013, beginning with victory in the Gulf Cup and also securing a spot in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.
Following the UAE’s first-ever appearance at the Olympics last year, many of the players and manager Mahdi Ali graduated to the first team.
Al Serkal added: “We have passed through stages. Our first stage was qualifying to the Olympics and the same players who qualified for the Olympics are now representing us in the first team.
“As first team players they won the Gulf Cup and that made us take on some responsibility to have an effect and not just make up the numbers in the Asian Cup.
“Of course it’s not always the best team that wins. We are considered one of the best teams in Asia but we also need good preparation, some luck, then we can do something.
“What I’m sure of is that we won’t just be guests there. We are going to be effective and a strong team that can stand out.”
It’s no secret that Mahdi Ali is considered the main reason behind the UAE’s success, the team rising from No121 to No71 in the FIFA rankings under him. But Serkal says there are many more reasons behind the UAE’s run.
He said: “I’m sure he’s (Mahdi) one of the main factors. In football, to accomplish you need a good team, and we have a good team, you need a good coach, and we have a good coach, and you need good management.
“At the FA we aren’t just concentrating on technical development. We have a plan to see how football can be involved in the society, so that’s the next step. We will be using some of our players to be idols for the youngsters. We’re working to put a scheme on how to accomplish that.”
