Confident UAE focused on quarter-finals

AFC Asian Cup – BRISBANE, “Bring on Japan” in the AFC Asian Cup quarter-finals, United Arab Emirates coach Mahdi Ali said on Sunday ahead of his team’s Group C clash with Iran at Brisbane Stadium.

Group leaders UAE are ahead of Iran on goal difference, and a draw will pit Ali’s men against the runners-up of Group D, which defending champions Japan have the best chance of winning.

In the event UAE fall to Iran, they could very well get Javier Aguirre’s side in the last eight but Ali is perfectly comfortable facing any team.

“It doesn’t matter which team we have to play,” Ali said. “It’s good to finish first because it gives motivation to the players for the second round.

“We have no problem with Japan. We are used to the big atmosphere and our players have played in front of 60,000 against (DPR Korea), 75,000 at Old Trafford and 80,000 at Wembley during the Olympics.

“Every game against different teams you have different tactics. But we still remember we have our own identity. We will make minor changes to play the Iran team.”

UAE have not historically fared well against Iran. In 15 full internationals, the Emiratis have beaten the Iranians just once with three draws. Ali, though, dismissed any advantage Iran might have based on match-ups from the past.

“You cannot compare the past,” he said. “The level of this team is different and so is the Iran team. I do not think about it. We cannot predict the future but we try to make a positive result.

“We have more to give in coming matches. I hope people who watch our games get excited.”

Current Iran coach Carlos Queiroz managed UAE from 1998 to 1999 but Ali also ruled out any edge the Iranians may have from the Portuguese’s time in the Emirates.

“We live in a very small world,” Ali said. “You can watch every game and every player. All the information is clear and available.

“It’s not like the old days. It’s a very important match and we will try to show our quality. All teams want a positive result. Iran is a very good team and have the number one ranking in Asia. It will be a tough game.”