It’s nearly one month until the UAE kick off their Olympic campaign against Uruguay at Old Trafford and while many countries have still not decided which players they will take to the Olympic Games, the UAE preparations are in full flow with the team currently training in Switzerland.
All three over-age players have been picked and it comes as no surprise that the Al Wahda striker Ismail Matar is one of those chosen alongside Al Jazira goalkeeper Ali Khasief and Al Ain midfielder Ismail Al Hammadi.
Mahdi Ali, the Olympic team coach, outlined his reasons for selecting the 29-year old. “Matar’s charisma and professional attitude will definitely help,” he said. “It’s my opinion that whenever he’s bodily and mentally fit, Matar is of great use for any coach.
“I’m truly delighted to have him in the squad because he possesses practical experience, can play in more than one position, and above all, he has a strong desire to appear in the Games.”
Matar has been the UAE’s poster boy since the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championships that were held in the Emirates. With future stars like Dani Alves and Andres Iniesta gracing the tournament it surprised many that it was Matar who was awarded the Golden Ball, the accolade for the best player at the competition.
When the UAE won their first ever football trophy it was Matar who scored the winning goal as the team beat Oman 1-0 in the Gulf Cup Final in 2007.
Matar’s service to the country has been rightly rewarded by being chosen to take part in the Olympic Games; the biggest moment for UAE football in over 20 years.
It is no secret that the UAE struggle to score goals, particularly as domestic clubs tend to choose foreign players to take up the striker’s role, but Matar’s inclusion in the squad should add firepower to the team.
With Ahmed Khalil usually entrusted with the striker’s role for the UAE, Matar will probably come in to partner the 21-year-old, which should allow Khalil more freedom to run the channels or drop back to receive the ball.
If Mahdi Ali opts to play with one striker it will almost definitely be Matar. With over 100 caps and 25 international goals, Matar thoroughly deserves his place in the team and, despite the inevitability of his selection, he was clearly delighted to have a place on the plane to London.
“It’s a dream that came true, both for me and for my country,” he stated. “I’m truly obliged for our national coach Mahdi Ali to offer me the opportunity of playing for the Olympic national team.
“I hope to live up to the expectations and join hands with the youngsters to make our presence felt during the Games.”
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