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Abu Dhabi: The national soccer team continued their preparations for tomorrow's crucial Asian 2010 World Cup qualifier against North Korea behind closed doors.
Bruno Metsu, the UAE's French coach shifted the training camp from Mohammad Bin Zayed stadium, the venue for the match to Sultan Bin Zayed Stadium, the headquarters of the Abu Dhabi Government Departments Sports Association.
The last minute change of plan was in order to try out new moves and combinations while focusing on dead ball situations.
Metsu, who appears to have supreme confidence in his players, is not looking back despite the mistakes the team made in their two friendly matches against Algeria and Bahrain.
"That is the past. We have the future to look forward to," said Metsu.
"The team committed some mistakes in their friendly matches and we have played friendly matches in the first place to know our mistakes.
"We worked on these mistakes and we hope that the players will not repeat them and I am confident that the players have benefited from these matches.
Metsu also called on the UAE's fans to 'come and support the team.'
"I want them to encourage the players to do their best to win the two matches against Korea and Saudi Arabia.
"Good results will put us in an strong position and give us a big incentive to win more points in our quest to earn qualification to the finals from this group," he said.
"I can assure you that we are no less than any other team and we are not afraid of anyone.
"My players have great capabilities and if they are in their best form they can realise their dream of playing in the finals of the 2010 World Cup." Metsu concluded.
A notable absentee from the training session was team captain and midfielder Abdul Rahim Jumaa who did not practise with his other colleagues as he is suffering from a knee injury.
But Dr. Jalal Al Ghali, the team's physician allayed fears concerning Abdul Rahim's fitness.
"He is expected to join his team mates in the training tonight and will be fit for the match tomorrow."
Metsu is not looking back despite the mistakes the team made in their two friendly matches against Algeria and Bahrain.
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