The match could be the last chance the UAE have of keeping their hope alive reaching World Cup Finals in South Africa in 2010.
They lost the first three matches in Group B of the Asian qualifiers to North Korea, Saudi Arabia and South Korea.
The team held two training sessions yesterday, the first was in the morning at the Al Wasl indoor sports hall for fitness training and the second was an evening session at the Al Maktoum Stadium for tactics.
During the last session, French coach Dominique Bathenay encouraged the defence to be more tough and powerful after defensive errors cost the UAE especially against South Korea when they went down 4-1.
Fahd Ali, the UAE team administrator, said the Itan match was of great importance.
"I am confident our players will fight hard against Iran and present their best.
"This match and all the remaining matches in the qualifiers will be like Cup finals, we must win it to stay in the hunt," said Ali.
Ankle injury
The team will miss talented midfielder Mohammad Ebrahim, who was injured in the training session last Thursday.
An x-ray showed that he had sustained an ankle injury which needs medical treatment and at least one week's rest, meaning he will miss the tough Iran clash.
Bathenay named Al Ain midfielder Ahmad Moadhid to replace the injured midfielder. Ebrahim said that he hope he will be fit for the coming UAE matches and for his club Al Nasr in the professional league.
"I am sure my teammates will do their best and spare no effort in defending the UAE colours in the important match against Iran. I hope we will win to keep our hope alive in the qualifiers," said Mohammad Ebrahim.
Fahd Ali said he is optimistic that the UAE fans can continue their celebrations with a good result by the seniors as well.
"We want the joy and happiness prevailing through the UAE following the under-19 team's great success winning the Asian Cup and qualifying for the World Cup finals to continue. The best way of doing it will be by winning against Iran and revive some hopes of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup finals," said the UAE team administrator.
الخميس نوفمبر 20, 2008 11:13 pm
