UAE's Khater Expecting Tough Road To South Africa

UAE avoided Australia, Japan and Uzbekistan but find themselves with Iran, Saudi Arabia and the two Koreas. "

Yes, we had some luck in the draw but that doesn't make our task any easier," said Khater according to The National.

"Given a choice, they are the three teams along with South Korea to be avoided.But it is hard to separate the 10 teams going by the previous round results.

"We have already faced Iran twice in the qualifying round and the two games could have gone either way. Iran are a superior team but we are closing on them all the time and we are quite familiar playing with Saudi Arabia.

"South Korea has a proven track record having qualified for the World Cup final five times and North Korea has been a mystery team. They are the only team that hasn't conceded a goal in the run-up to the final round."

The Al Ain star believes that the battle is wide open.

"Nothing is guaranteed in football," he said. "As far as our team in concerned, we must perform consistently in this home and away format. And need to show results on the pitch to progress."