Metsu rules out defensive tactics as UAE face Iran

The UAE will play in the Azaidi Stadium in the Asian qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup as leaders of Group 5 with four points from two matches. Iran and Syria have two points, while Kuwait have one.

"I know that one single point will help us maintain the group's leadership, but we will never play a defensive match to achieve a tie. We will play our usual attacking game." Metsu said yesterday.

"I have confidence in my players and their fighting spirit and I am sure they can achieve a positive result in Tehran."

UAE striker and domestic top scorer Faisal Khalil, who is expected to start the match up-front alongside Esmail Mattar, added: "We are ready for the match and I believe we have a good chance of reaching the second round of the qualifiers.

"Iran have not yet won a match after two encounters and they will be under tremendous pressure tomorrow.

"We are determined not to let them register their first victory over us."

And right-back Ahmad Dada said the UAE were ready to face their latest test.

"We have completed our preparations and raring to go in Azadi stadium.

"The differences between the UAE and Iran is not like what it used to be a decade ago. Now most of the Asian teams are almost of an equal standard and all the results are expected."

Tough competition

However, Dada faces tough competition for a starting berth with the UAE with Esmail Al Hammadi, from Al Ahli, showing great form this season.

He was one of the major reasons the club won the President's Cup and mounted a credible challenge for the title until the last week.

The UAE are set to hold a major training session in Azadi Stadium today at 4.30pm.