AFC Under-22 Qualifiers: India U-22s await confident UAE in decisive match

After their good performance against Iraq, but with no points to their name the India Under-22s know that against the United Arab Emirates only points will count or otherwise their AFC Under-22 Asian Championship qualifying campaign could be close to over.

Ranked 119 in the FIFA World rankings and more importantly, a team which has qualified for the forthcoming 2012 London Olympics, the United Arab Emirates are a tough challenge and with wins against Oman and Turkmenistan they look a tough hurdle to cross.

UAE Coach Baler Sadih says, "We have quite a few options up our sleeve. We look forward to the match." The UAE had been unstoppable so far. In the first match, they beat hosts Oman 2-0 while in the second they accounted for Turkmenistan 1-0.

Ask Arthur Papas and he admits, "This is a defining match in the tournament. We need to maintain our consistency. We have had two very good games so far. Though the results have been different, there are so many positives which have emerged."

"The boys have shown character and at this level you have to play with the same intensity every day," he adds. "UAE are a very tough opposition. I reiterate one shouldn't be expecting miracles. Everyone needs to be patient."

Early morning, the buzz is back. There's an intense Core Training Session in the gym. After breakfast, players line up for their treatment and massage. In between the Hotel staff, most of them Indians come over to inform the ice is waiting. The ice-bath will happen after the evening training session.

Someone who scored against the UAE Senior Team in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers - captain Jeje Lalpekhlua is ready to go. "I still remember Dika's (Lalrindika Ralte) cross which was inch perfect. I just had to nod it in," Jeje says. Dika, smiles. "The turf was slushy was maintaining balance was difficult. There's a sort of telepathy between Jeje and me," he quips.

You just can't keep Manandeep Singh quiet. Sitting next, he plays his one-two. "So on a lush field in Muscat, you will provide us five such centres!" a mischievous Manandeep presses. Jeje adds in a tone of surprise, "Five? We wait for 10 such crosses." The laughter goes all around. Dika stands up, walks to his boots, touches them, comes back and sits down.

"In International Matches, more often than not, the details decide the fate," Papas comments. "Minute details such as set pieces, corners, etc. We need to be perfect."

In the meantime, the phone just doesn't stop ringing. Indians, all based in Muscat, want to meet the team -- Diplomats, Bankers, Executives, Journalists. Requests for tickets flow in.

An UAE supporter, here in Muscat for official work, stayed confident, "Against India we will score minimum five goals," he says and laughs loud. None from the Indian Camp retaliates. They want to give a fitting reply on the field.

If Arthur Papas will send the same team as against Iraq onto the pitch is unknown. Changes look possible.

The kick-off at the Royal Oman Police Stadium is at 19.45 local time (21.15 IST) tomorrow - Thursday, June 28.