The head coach of the United Arab Emirates national football team, Paulo Bento, has been relieved of his duties. Renowned football commentator Mirzahakim To‘xtamirzayev, in an interview with the "Daryo" publication, noted that the leadership of the Emirates team explained this situation by stating that they had given up hope for direct qualification to the World Cup.
- "I think the UAE national team has lost hope for direct qualification to the Mundial. The reason is that they have started preparations for the playoff stage. The leadership of the Emirates realized that they could not qualify for the World Cup with this specialist and showed the Portuguese coach the exit doors. There are 2 important matches ahead — against Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Both matches are of significant importance. Because our neighbors, who defeated Qatar, are also fighting for the playoff qualification. If the United Arab Emirates cannot achieve the necessary results in the remaining 2 matches, they aim to compete for the remaining 2.5 spots," says Mirzahakim To‘xtamirzayev.
For your information, 8.5 spots have been allocated for the Asian continent for the tournament to be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Teams that occupy the 1st and 2nd places in 3 groups will qualify directly, while teams in the 3rd and 4th places in the groups will compete for the remaining 2.5 spots through playoffs.
