UAE coach Olaroiu shifts focus to crucial playoff preparation

UAE will be aiming to lock down third spot when they travel to face Kyrgyzstan in their final AFC Asian Qualifiers-Road to 26 Group A tie on Tuesday.

- 

Thursday's goalless draw with Uzbekistan ended UAE's hopes of automatic qualification and the West Asian side sit only a point ahead of Qatar, with both having sealed their places in the playoffs.

Cosmin Olaroiu would have known before the tie against Uzbekistan that automatic qualification was going to be a long shot but the newly appointed head coach saw positives in the match and is already preparing for the playoffs.

"You have a once in a lifetime chance," Olaroiu said. "I don't think you should talk about motivation as much as preparation. That is the most important thing. Now is the end of the season, we have a break, then the clubs will start their preparations.

"In September, there is (an international) break and we will have some friendly games. The preparation is very, very important because the work the clubs will do now will influence it."

Kyrgyzstan, on the other hand, will be aiming to finish their debut campaign at this stage of the AFC Asian Qualifiers on a high note.