UAE must build on win against South Korea when they face Australia - Salem

The UAE must match last month’s memorable performance against South Korea in their quest to come through the 2022 World Cup play-offs and book a place at the global finals, says team manager Yasser Salem.

The national team, aiming to become only the second Emirati side to qualify for a World Cup, sit two matches from football’s showpiece event, with the first play-off to take place on June 7, against Australia in Doha. Should they win, the UAE will face Peru six days later for a place in the World Cup. That match also takes place in Qatar.

Rodolfo Arruabarrena’s side advanced to the play-offs by finishing third in Group A in the final round, sealing their spot with a 1-0 victory against group leaders South Korea in the finale in Dubai. It represented only Arruabarrena’s second match in charge.

Speaking on Thursday as the UAE set out preparations for the play-offs, Salem said: “We did a good job against South Korea, so we have to build on that performance for the next game. To play with confidence, with fight, with spirit; we don’t make ourselves small against Australia. Because we have a good example already against South Korea.”

The UAE will have two full weeks in training camp for the Australia game, with the squad meeting on May 24 – the day after the conclusion to the 2021/22 Adnoc Pro League season. Any players selected from Sharjah and Al Wahda will join the camp immediately following their clubs contesting the President’s Cup final on May 27.

The UAE also plan to play a friendly for May 30 or 31 – the opponent is expected to be confirmed this weekend – before travelling to Doha on June 1.

Asked how important it is for the players to fully grasp how close they are to qualifying for the World Cup, Salem said: “This