Veteran striker Ismail Matar is back in the UAE squad for this month's key World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Australia. He spoke to The National ahead of Thursday's game at home to Japan.
Decisive double-header
Fourth in Group B at the halfway stage, the UAE are level on points with third-placed Australia and one behind Japan, in second, and leaders Saudi Arabia. They opened their campaign last September with an unexpected win against Japan in Saitama, then lost to Australia and Saudi Arabia, but defeated Thailand and Iraq. The top two teams qualify automatically for Russia 2018, with the third-placed side entering a series of play-offs. Matar, scorer of the goal that clinched the 2007 Gulf Cup of Nations, said: “Obviously, we must win full points. If we can achieve that we’ll be in a good position.”
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Road to Russia
■ Talking points: What to keep an eye on in UAE v Japan
■ Fixtures, results and more on the UAE's qualifying bid
■ Ismail Ahmed urges UAE to forget win in Japan
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Dealing with an extra-motivated Japan
The UAE have won the past two meetings: the penalty shoot-out triumph in the 2015 Asian Cup quarter-final and then that surprise victory in September. Matar missed those wins, but said: “Japan have always been a dangerous opponent and they will continue to be so. We have had good results over them in the past two games, but that matters little or nothing, as a lot of things have changed between then and now. Every game, whether it be against Japan, Australia or any other side, will never be the same. Every game must to start from 0-0.”
The significance of the next two matches
The current crop of UAE players is much vaunted having qualified for the 2012 Olympics, captured the 2013 Gulf Cup and finished third in the Asian Cup two years ago. At 33, Matar is now viewed as one of the squad’s elder statesmen, and he said: “These matches are very important because the results from these two games will hugely define our position in the qualifiers. These games are not only important for us, but for our opponents too. We competed as the ‘golden generation’ in our last campaign and came up short. We can only keep trying. We have done quite well so far and are hopeful.”
Being given another opportunity at this level
Matar was not initially selected in the early stages of qualification, but his form this season for Al Wahda prompted his return to the squad for November’s 2-0 victory against Iraq. Introduced late on, he scored his side’s second goal. “It’s a good feeling when you are recalled to the team,” he said. “It means your performances in the local league are being noticed. Of course I bring a lot of experience, but it’s not for me to say what I contribute to the team. The coach has recalled me. Perhaps he will know best.”
Helping his teammates emulate 1990
The UAE have only once previously qualified for a World Cup, in 1990 in Italy, when they contested a group with eventual champions West Germany, Colombia and Yugoslavia. That side is still hugely revered. “I can’t recollect much about that team, but nobody can take away what they achieved,” Matar said. “It was a historic occasion and their accomplishment has given the present generation of players the belief that it’s not impossible to qualify for a World Cup. I can’t think of anything better than helping my country to qualify for the World Cup. I have tried in the past and I’ll continue to strive as best I can to achieve that dream.”
* Additional reporting from Amith Passela
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