Euro 2016 finalists Iceland expecting a difficult game against UAE in Dubai

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Al Wahda defender Hamdan Al Kamali (r) is back in the UAE squad after a year out.

    The visitors have arrived in the Emirates for a brief training camp as they continue preparations for this summer’s bow at a major tournament.

    A second-string squad minus established stars such as Swansea City midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson and Olympiakos striker Alfred Finnbogason is present because the camp does not fall during a designated FIFA international period, with the players drawn from Nordic countries and China.

    “It will be a tough game, as the UAE can play their strongest team,” said joint head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson.

    “I don’t know how their coach (Mahdi Ali) is thinking about the game against Iceland, but it could be a really tough one for us.

    “We will field players who will probably be not used to our system and with each other. The environment and the climate will also be very different for them.

    “I know it will be a tough game. The UAE look like a really good team. It gives us an opportunity to give players experience who wouldn’t normally be involved. These are games we can use to try our new players.”

    Iceland will be looking to make it two wins in five days after IFK Norrkoping midfielder Arnor Ingvi Traustason’s sole stirke secured victory at Military Sports Complex Stadium against Finland on Wednesday. They will look to 37-year-old former Barcelona and Chelsea forward Eidur Gudjohnsen to lead the way in Dubai.

    For the UAE, the friendly will provide an insightful test ahead of March’s defining AFC second-round clashes at home against third-placed Palestine and Group A leaders Saudi Arabia. Victory in the final pair of fixtures is likely to be required to continue on the long road to World Cup 2018 and end an often unconvincing opening stage in a positive manner.

    Al Wahda defender Hamdan Al Kamali has been recalled after a year in the wilderness, last featuring during the run to third at the 2015 Asian Cup. The 26-year-old promised to vindicate Ali’s decision.

    He said: “I hope to match the level of the confidence that the coach gave me and offer a satisfactory level. Playing with this group of players is a great incentive for me. This comes at a critical time in the preparations for the matches with Palestine and Saudi Arabia in March. The meeting against Iceland is very important.”

    Controversial Al Ahli goalkeeper Majed Nasser is likely to start upon his return to the fold thanks to No1 Khalid Essa’s absence because of a family matter, plus injuries to club-mate Ahmed Dida and Al Jazira’s Ali Khaseif. A special evening for right-back Ahmed Al Yassi could see him debut in the familiar surroundings of Al Maktoum Stadium, the venue for his club side Al Nasr.

    The UAE will have one final warm-up game on March 19 against Bangladesh.

    Recommended