JEDDAH // Saudi Arabia do not have to devise a specific plan to defeat the UAE in their crunch 2018 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, according to manager Bert van Marwijk.
Two of the Gulf’s main rivals meet at the King Abdullah Sports City with only one point separating them in Group B, as the Saudis sit second behind Australia and the UAE level with Japan behind. Only the top two teams are certain of a place at Russia 2018.
The hosts, who have two wins and a draw from three matches thus far in this final qualification round, go into the match with history weighing heavily in their favour. They have never been defeated by the UAE in a competitive match in Saudi, while they took four points from Mahdi Ali’s men in the previous round to progress as group winners.
More UAE v Saudi Arabia
• John McAuley: Omar Abdulrahman must take charge in World Cup qualifier
• Mahdi Ali: Unconcerned by history with Saudi Arabia as UAE are 'not afraid'
“Tomorrow is a special game against an opponent who also wants to go to Russia,” Van Marwijk said. “Six points against our seven points, two teams who know each other very well and don’t have secrets. We all remember the two matches last year.
“It’s also a derby, so for several reasons this is a special game. We are looking forward to it. And it’s in a very nice stadium – from what I’ve heard it will be completely full. We are very happy to have the support of maybe more than 60,000 fans. We will try to play our own way of playing. We are improving every day.”
Asked if his Saudi side will be typically physical against the UAE, Van Marwijk reiterated: “These two teams don’t have secrets for each other. So I plan nothing special.”
Three points against the UAE could lift Saudi to the summit of the group, especially as Australia play fourth-placed Japan in Melbourne on Tuesday. Iraq and Thailand meet in the pool’s other match.
Van Marwijk said there are doubts regarding some of his players being available to take on the UAE, but understandably he would not confirm who might miss the match.
“There are a few that we are doubting their fitness, but the whole team makes a very fit impression,” the Dutchman said. “You will see that tomorrow.”
jmcauley@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport
