UAE: Iran Game Is Our Last Chance

In three games of the final stage of qualification so far, UAE have failed to collect a single point and another defeat will all but end hopes of South Africa.

Batheney took the job in September and his first match was a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of South Korea and now the team need to take something against Iran in Dubai on Wednesday.

“This game is our last chance and the players fully understand it,” Batheney told reporters in Dubai.

“We know the importance of the game and the players are working hard to get the result we need. It is going to be a tough game. Iran have lots of good players with experience. They are also on a high as they have not lost a game for some time now.

“But we are playing at home and we will have the supporters backing us. We have to make sure we don’t let them settle into their rhythm on the pitch.”

“Of course, Iran are a good side, but on the field it’s 11 players against 11. We need be strong and work hard for a win. It is our last chance.”