UAE look to maintain momentum against Qatar at WC qualifiers

UAE and Qatar are set for a blockbuster clash when they face off in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers on Tuesday.

Both revived their respective campaigns with wins on Thursday and will seek another three points to stay within sight of Iran and Uzbekistan in the race to seal the two automatic qualifying slots.

Having started their campaign with a stunning win over Qatar in their opening game, UAE had to wait till Matchday Five for a second victory.

Head coach Paulo Bento will hope his team have turned the corner and can embark on a run that seals them automatic qualification to the global showpiece for just the second time in their history.

“We don’t have to think too much of the upcoming game against Qatar, but it’s important we rest now, allow the players to recover as much as possible, then begin our preparations,” Bento said after the 3-0 win against Kyrgyzstan on Thursday.

While the top two finishers in each group qualify automatically, the third and fourth placed teams will advance to a playoff where another two berths will be at stake.

“There is more than one way to reach the World Cup and we need to try as much as we can to go all the way to be there,” said Bento, who previously guided his native Portugal and South Korea at the Finals.

“This is not the best time to just spend too much energy thinking about the World Cup and the game against Qatar but of course, on the pitch they need to be able to take all those decisions.”

Lucas Mendes’ goal deep into added time secured Qatar a 3-2 win against Uzbekistan on Thursday and head coach Marquez Lopez will hope the thrilling win will steer his side past UAE, who won the reverse fixture 3-1 in September.

Seeking to qualify for the FIFA World Cup on merit for the first time, back-to-back AFC Asian Cup champions Qatar have found the AFC Asian Qualifiers difficult to navigate but Lopez believes Thursday’s win will motivate his squad against a UAE side who have won five of their previous eight meetings.

Saudi take on Indonesia: Saudi Arabia will head into their meeting against Indonesia for Group C clash with renewed confidence after a spirited display against Australia.

Herve Renard’s return as head coach was marked by Saudi Arabia dominating possession but having to settle for a draw and the Green Falcons will aim to go one better against an Indonesian side who suffered a 4-0 defeat to Japan on home soil.

For Renard, what matters now is points over performance as Saudi Arabia seek a third consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup Finals.

“We knew before that we had these two very crucial games against Australia and Indonesia,” said Renard. “We’ll have to be strong as well.

“My only focus is that we want to qualify for the World Cup. It’s not necessary to say we get a point here or three points there, as long as at the end of the day, we are part of the draw for the Finals.”

Two straight defeats have put a different spin on Indonesia’s campaign after a sterling start which saw them holding Saudi Arabia, Australia and Bahrain to draws.

Shin Tae-yong’s side endured a difficult match against Japan on Friday but it could have been a very different outcome had Ragnar Oratmangoen converted an early chance when it was still goalless.

Injury to Kevin Diks, who had to be substituted four minutes before the break, will be a concern for Shin with Asnawi Mangkualam also not available.

With three points at the foot of the standings, Indonesia will need to start picking up wins to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

China meet Japan: China will not only be out to continue their resurgence but also redeem their pride when they face Japan in their Group C match, having suffered a hefty 7-0 defeat in the reverse fixture.