Zamboor
11-18-2008, 03:45 PM
UAE v IRN - preview: UAE look to end Iran drought
DUBAI – Coach Dominique Bathenay is hoping United Arab Emirates can secure a first-ever victory over Iran on Wednesday night and keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.
UAE are struggling for form ahead of their must-win game at Al Nasr Club in Dubai with the hosts having lost all three games in the final round of Asian qualifying, leaving them bottom of Group Two.
Iran, meanwhile, share top spot in the group with four points and will be seeking their second win in three games against UAE - who they have not lost to in nine official meetings.
“I am aware of that record,” said Bathenay. “But it just takes one game to change that.
“This is our last chance to keep our hopes of qualifying alive. The players have worked really hard in training for this game and have shown a lot of commitment.
“We know that we are playing against a very big team and we are not the favourites. But we will give our best on the pitch and try to win the game, because it is really important for us.
“Iran are a very strong side, with lots of players who have the experience of playing in the Spanish and German leagues. They have not lost a game in the qualifiers and that is testimony to their strength.
“To win this game, we have to be better than them. We have to take the initiative from the start and try to dominate the proceedings. We have to dictate the pace of the game and not allow them to settle into their rhythm.”
Iran assistant coach Human Afazeli believes that his side’s impressive record against the UAE will give them the psychological edge over their opponents.
“In football, every game is different,” said Afazeli, who attended the pre-match press conference in the absence of head coach Ali Daei.
“It’s a fresh 90 minutes and history doesn’t count. It will not win you matches. Everything depends on what happens on the pitch during the game.
“Having said that, the record will definitely give us a psychological advantage and I believe the team we have at the moment is capable of upholding that record.
“It is a crucial game for the UAE and an important one for us as well.
“If the UAE win this game, they can stay in touch with the top of the table.
“For us, a win would be a big step towards booking our place for South Africa. Seven points would put us in a very good position.
“So I am sure it is going to be an exciting game between two quality team and a good spectacle for the fans.”
http://www.the-afc.com/eng/articles/viewArticle.jsp_168331126.html
UAE keep on dreaming you can never take us! :D
DUBAI – Coach Dominique Bathenay is hoping United Arab Emirates can secure a first-ever victory over Iran on Wednesday night and keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.
UAE are struggling for form ahead of their must-win game at Al Nasr Club in Dubai with the hosts having lost all three games in the final round of Asian qualifying, leaving them bottom of Group Two.
Iran, meanwhile, share top spot in the group with four points and will be seeking their second win in three games against UAE - who they have not lost to in nine official meetings.
“I am aware of that record,” said Bathenay. “But it just takes one game to change that.
“This is our last chance to keep our hopes of qualifying alive. The players have worked really hard in training for this game and have shown a lot of commitment.
“We know that we are playing against a very big team and we are not the favourites. But we will give our best on the pitch and try to win the game, because it is really important for us.
“Iran are a very strong side, with lots of players who have the experience of playing in the Spanish and German leagues. They have not lost a game in the qualifiers and that is testimony to their strength.
“To win this game, we have to be better than them. We have to take the initiative from the start and try to dominate the proceedings. We have to dictate the pace of the game and not allow them to settle into their rhythm.”
Iran assistant coach Human Afazeli believes that his side’s impressive record against the UAE will give them the psychological edge over their opponents.
“In football, every game is different,” said Afazeli, who attended the pre-match press conference in the absence of head coach Ali Daei.
“It’s a fresh 90 minutes and history doesn’t count. It will not win you matches. Everything depends on what happens on the pitch during the game.
“Having said that, the record will definitely give us a psychological advantage and I believe the team we have at the moment is capable of upholding that record.
“It is a crucial game for the UAE and an important one for us as well.
“If the UAE win this game, they can stay in touch with the top of the table.
“For us, a win would be a big step towards booking our place for South Africa. Seven points would put us in a very good position.
“So I am sure it is going to be an exciting game between two quality team and a good spectacle for the fans.”
http://www.the-afc.com/eng/articles/viewArticle.jsp_168331126.html
UAE keep on dreaming you can never take us! :D