The UAE need “200 per cent” support from all areas to ensure they proceed from Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 to the 2018 World Cup, according to coach Mahdi Ali.
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The Whites’ first steps towards a second-ever entry to the globe’s premier football tournament were revealed yesterday at the draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Entering at the second phase of Asian Football Confederation qualifying as a top seed, they will need to see off regional rivals Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Timor-Leste and Malaysia to guarantee making the third round.
Ali has been frustrated with the current domestic schedule in the build-up, believing the decision to play the President’s Cup after the Arabian Gulf League finishes on May 10 risks their preparation for the June 16 opener at Timor-Leste.
AFC World Cup Qualifiers draw: Group A: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Timor-Leste, Malaysia #2018WC
— Chris Hockman (@ChrisHSport) April 14, 2015
The 49-year-old declared that the broad help that allowed this generation to blossom must be repeated if the long qualification run to Russia is to be a success.
“When we started with this group in 2008 we had a four-year programme which was carried out not 100, but 200 per cent,” Ali told Abu Dhabi Sports 1HD.
“From them, 16 players made the step up to the first team. That was the prime reason for a good generation emerging and being promoted.
“Now, we need to have a similar programme. We will discuss the programme we have developed with the league and hopefully there will be no issues.
“There is a good chance of reaching the World Cup. We don’t want what happened recently, when we didn’t play in March, to happen again.”
Both Saudi Arabia and Palestine exited the recent Asian Cup at the group stage. Less of a challenge is expected from 164th-ranked Malaysia and first opponents Timor-Leste.
“I keep an eye out for all teams, but I must look to my team,” Ali said. “There is no point talking about the opposition if your own team is not fully prepared.
“Football admits only one language. It’s not just about which teams you face, being prepared is being more important than anything else.”
The eight group winners and four best runners-up following the final second-round matchday on Matrch 29, 2016 advance to the third round and qualify for the next Asian Cup – a competition the UAE will host.
The top-two teams from the two groups will automatically be granted entry to the World Cup, with a fourth round featuring a playoff between the two third-placed teams of each groups to go into a two-legged inter-confederation showdown a possibility depending upon the AFC’s as-yet-undetermined allocation.
