UAE and N.Korea face off in crucial clash; Saudi's Renard expects no let-up from Japan

North Korea and UAE will be equally desperate for maximum points when they square off in their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 Group A tie on Tuesday.

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Thursday's 2-0 defeat to Iran all was a body blow to UAE's hopes of winning one of the two automatic qualifying spots, but Paulo Bento will urge his players to remain focused despite the setback.

Victory for UAE and defeat for Uzbekistan - who face Iran in Tehran - will reignite their hopes for a second appearance at the FIFA World Cup, and the Portuguese tactician will remind his players that all they can do now is keep winning.

Thursday's 5-1 defeat to Qatar means DPR Korea have no chance of a top two finish, with the loss leaving them rooted at the bottom of the standings with two points.

The East Asian side, however, still have an outside chance of making the playoffs and will be determined to respond after Thursday's heavy defeat.

SAUDI ARABIA FACE JAPAN: Coach Herve Renard said Saudi Arabia are in a 'tough sprint' to reach the 2026 World Cup, but he is not expecting any favours from already qualified Japan on Tuesday.