JEDDAH: With only one point to show after its first match the Saudi national team takes on United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi today, looking to improve its position in Group B with a victory in the final stage of the 2010 World cup Asian qualifiers.
Playing in a hostile territory the Kingdom is expected to have its hands full against a UAE side that is hoping not to disappoint the home crowd after losing its opening match against North Korea 2-1. UAE is expected to play a fierce 90 minutes and not settle for anything less than a win to stay in the competition.
Meanwhile, the Saudi players and coach expressed the team’s determination to return to Riyadh with the full three points and not settle for a draw.
The team had a closed-door training session on orders of coach Nasser Al-Johar obviously to maintain secrecy about today’s game plan.
UAE Football Federation President Mohammed Khalfan Al-Rimathi expressed his hopes of qualifying to local sports medial, saying “Our chances in competing still stands despite the unexpected loss in the opening match.” Saudi delegation chief Tariq Kayal said that they are determined to score their first win in the qualifiers in the UAE capital.
“We played a big match against Iran and we deserved to win but the loss was due to luck and luck alone,” he said.
“The players’ spirits are high to come out with a positive result and secure our way to the World Cup finals for the fifth consecutive time.”
In another Group B match, South Korea opens its campaign against group leader North Korea today. With one point each the Saudi and Iranian national teams are in second and third with UAE in last place.
