The friendly clash between the UAE and Argentina ahead of the Fifa World Cup (November 20-December 18) in Qatar will offer exciting moments for fans and players to enjoy and relish, said the head coaches during a pre-match press conference in Abu Dhabi.
The UAE and Argentina will play a warm-up match in front of a sold-out crowd at the Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium on Wednesday evening.
“It is an important match but one that will be wonderful to enjoy. My players are very young. And for many of them it will be their first time playing against such a high-level rival,” UAE head coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena, who hails from Argentina, told reporters on Tuesday. Arruabarrena noted that Argentina can top their Group C and reach the final of the World Cup in Qatar.
Arruabarrena said that once the responsibilities of the warm-up match get over, he will be back supporting his home team. “I know a lot of players in the team. I wished them all the best. After the match, I will be one of the many fans pushing for Argentina to reach the final and get the title,” he said.
Meanwhile, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said that players are looking forward to Wednesday’s friendly. “The UAE are a good team. We are hoping for an attractive game. We will decide after the final training on who will play. We want to guarantee a very good team,” he said.
Talking about talisman Lionel Messi, Scaloni said the playmaker will be making the most of the opportunities in the World Cup matches. “Leo is as always willing to enjoy the World Cup. He is going to enjoy the Cup with his colleagues,” he said.
Argentina will open their World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia, and Scaloni said it will be a tough opener.
The UAE-Argentina match will start by 7.30pm at the Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium. The national team will be in action against Kazakhstan later this week as they prepare for Arabian Gulf Cup to be played in Iraq in January next year.
