UAE test for Indians

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After their narrow loss to Iraq, India take on the United Arab Emirates, 119-ranked in the Fifa ladder and more importantly, a team who have qualified for the forthcoming London Olympics, in their next match of the AFU Under-22 championship in Muscat on Thursday.

Said UAE coach Baler Sadih: “We have quite a few options up our sleeve. We look forward to the match.”
The UAE have been unstoppable so far. They beat hosts Oman 2-0 in the first match and then accounted for Turkmenistan 1-0.
Ask India coach Arthur Papas, and he admits: “This is a defining match in the tournament. We need to maintain consistency. We have had two very good games so far. Though the results have been different, there are so many positives which have emerged.
“The boys have shown character and at this level you have to play with the same intensity every day,” he adds.
“UAE are a very tough opposition. I reiterate one shouldn’t be expecting miracles. Everyone needs to be patient.”
Though India had a good start to the tournament with a 5-2 win over Lebanon, they go into this crucial match after a 1-2 loss to Iraq last Monday.
Scorer against the UAE senior team in the World Cup qualifiers, skipper Jeje Lalpekhlua, is ready for the challenge. “I still remember Dika’s (Lalrindika Ralte) cross which was inch perfect. I just had to nod it in,” Jeje says.
“In international matches, more often than not, the details decide one’s fate,” said Papas.
“Minute details such as set pieces, corners, etc. We need to be perfect.”