The UAE face a daunting start to the final stage of qualification for the 2018 World Cup, when they battle Japan on Thursday at the Saitama Stadium. However, captain Ahmed Khalil says the team are ready to kick off Group B with a positive result.
Captain fantastic
Khalil has led from the front in the UAE’s quest for a second World Cup appearance, scoring 11 goals in the previous phase – second only to Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Al Sahlawi. Last November, the Al Ahli striker became the first Emirati to be crowned Asian Player of the Year.
• Japan v UAE: Mahdi Ali tempers expectations ahead of 2018 World Cup qualifier
Challenging group
The UAE have been drawn in Group B with Japan, Australia, Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Iraq. After the opening double-header – they host Asian Cup champions Australia on September 6 – they face the three remaining countries before the teams play each other again. The top two teams qualify for Russia 2018, while third place must then negotiate two play-off matches to make the finals.
The road ahead
“It’s a difficult start for us in the qualifiers, but we understand that those who wish to qualify for the World Cup have to fight to the last breath,” Khalil said. “We have 10 games in front of us, and we must treat every match with great caution. We all recognise the importance of the stage, and are ready for what is coming. We have confidence in ourselves at the top level.”
• UAE 2018 World Cup qualifying: The road to Russia
Realising ambitions
“We all have the same dream, which is to qualify for the World Cup,” Khalil said. “Every player realises that he has to fight on the pitch, which is what we will do, whatever the circumstances or difficult matches. We must not despair, because the journey is long and any team can defeat the other, so I think our chance is equal to the rest of the teams. We have to redouble efforts to ensure we take our chance.”
Living up to expectations
“Being voted the best player in Asia makes me happy and also proud, and at the same time brings with it a lot of responsibility, which I pray that I am able to embrace,” Khalil said. “But that award is in the past now, my first and last goal is to help my teammates on the pitch to qualify for the World Cup. At our heart, we are one team, there is no room for personal glory here. We all seek to make the UAE people proud by achieving a long-awaited dream.”
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