Rodolfo Arruabarrena maps out UAE preparations for World Cup play-off against Australia

UAE manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena has set out preparations for the national team’s crucial 2022 World Cup play-off against Australia this summer.

The UAE, seeking to qualify for only a second global finals in the country’s history, stand two matches from the Qatar tournament, with the first of what they hope will be two play-offs to take place in Doha on June 7.

The national team qualified for the play-offs by finishing third in Group A in the final round, which concluded with last month’s 1-0 victory against South Korea in Dubai. The winner of the June 7 encounter – Australia booked their place by finishing third in Group B – will then face Peru in a one-off game six days later, also in Doha. Peru were the fifth-placed side in Conmebol qualification.

FT |