Caio Canedo says there is 'a lot to be proud' of for UAE's young warriors

Caio Canedo says he is optimistic about what the future may hold for the UAE despite the disappointment of failing to qualify for this year’s World Cup.

The national team were defeated 2-1 by Australia in Qatar on Tuesday night in their Asian play-off, with the victors moving on to next week face Peru for a place at the global finals.

Australia, bidding for a fifth successive World Cup appearance, kept alive their chances at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan through Ajdin Hrustic’s deflected volley six minutes from time.

The UAE, who were trying to become only the second Emirati side to reach football’s showpiece tournament and first since 1990, had fallen behind on 53 minutes when Jackson Irvine opened the scoring from close range.

However, Canedo levelled the contest four minutes later. To that point, the UAE had created the better opportunities, with young winger Harib Abdallah the standout as he tested Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan three times.

Speaking to The National immediately after the 2-1 loss, Canedo said: “It was a good game. I thought we played well, gave a very good match. It’s play-off games, it’s details; whoever makes less mistakes will win. But I’m proud of the guys, it’s a very young team. We have a lot to improve, but there's a lot to be proud of also.

UAE RATINGS: Khalid Eisa – 6. No chance with Irvine’s close-range finish, but made a fine stop to deny Maclaren later on, low to his left. Similarly, could not be faulted for Hrustic’s deflected knockout blow. AFP

“We tried to represent the UAE to the fullest. We were so close, the feeling is we deserved a little bit more. But congrats to Australia – it is what it is. Like I said, I’m very proud of the young boys. They played a fantastic game.”