The UAE resume their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign later this month when they host Japan — a hugely important match. Here are the details.
What is at stake
The UAE are attempting to qualify for only a second World Cup following their solitary appearance, in 1990. Mahdi Ali’s current side have arguably the greatest opportunity since then, with the players labelled “the golden generation” and led on the pitch by Omar Abdulrahman, the current Asian player of the year.
Current state of play
At present, the UAE are halfway through the third and final qualification round for Russia. They sit fourth in Group B, but trail leaders Saudi Arabia by only one point. Only the top two teams are guaranteed to advance, with the third-placed side then having to negotiate a series of play-offs to make the finals.
The next assignment
On March 23, the UAE host third-placed Japan, the Asian heavyweights who are widely expected to progress to Russia. The match takes place at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain. Mahdi Ali’s side are seeking to make it three successive victories against Japan: the most recent arrived in the Group A opener in September, when they recorded a surprise 2-1 victory in Saitama. After Japan this month, the UAE travel to Australia to take on the Asian champions on March 28.
Tickets
Tickets for the Japan match are now available at www.ticketmaster.ae. Prices start at Dh75, although Category 1 and 2 tickets for UAE fans will be distributed for free on the day at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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