ISMAIL MATAR Heart of the Matar Ismail Matar Is Arguably the Most Talented Young Player in the UAE Team and an Idolised Star in His Homeland
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UAE VS BRAZIL ISMAIL MATAR Heart of the Matar Ismail Matar is arguably the most talented young player in the UAE team and an idolised star in his homeland. Matthew Pomroy spoke to him ahead of the biggest test of his short career, the up-and-coming friendly against Brazil t’s not often you get the chance to meet By winning the Player of the Tournament at He says that his performances this season your heroes. It’s even more of a rarity that a FIFA World Youth Championship, Ismail have been ‘sometimes good, sometimes bad’ but you get an opportunity to test yourself joined a list of previous winners that includes he’s set himself lofty targets for the coming Iagainst them while 47,000 people watch the likes of Javier Saviola (2001) and Nicolas months. ‘My aim for this season is to qualify for you. But on November 12 in Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Olivera (1997) from recent tournaments, as well the Asian Cup with the national team as well as Sports Stadium, 22-year-old Ismail Matar will as luminaries such as the sublime Robert winning the title with Al Wahda. It’s only near do just that, pulling on the football shirt of the Prosinecki (1987) from earlier competitions. the start of our league season and things are OK, United Arab Emirates and stepping out to face Saviola is on the books at Barcelona (although sometimes not so well. We have tough games the Brazilian national side. He’ll compete currently on loan at Seville) while the 2005 coming up but we are still to show our best.’ And against the best team in the world, and his hero winner was Lionel Messi (also at Barcelona) with local rivals Al Ain making it to the Asian Ronaldinho, while simultaneously carrying the who is being hailed as the best thing to come out Champions League final he admits there were a hopes of his own country as the UAE’s star of Argentina since some young lad called Diego few pangs of jealousy. ‘But we will be there next player. Maradona won the same trophy in 1979. So has year, inshallah,’ he predicts confidently, and Right now though, it’s gone 10pm at the Al membership of this illustrious club put Ismail adds that he’s positive that the UAE will make it Wahda Sports Club and Ismail’s just finished under any pressure to succeed? He just shrugs: to the 2010 World Cup, after the disappointment training. Still wearing his shorts and shirt and ‘It was very good for me to win it, especially with of missing out on Germany 2006: ‘Yes I think sitting in the big padded chair of the club other players there like [the Brazilian’s] Duda we’ll make it, but it won’t be easy, South Korea secretary’s office, he looks more of a young boy and Daniel who are now playing with a big club. and Saudi Arabia are very strong.’ Until then than a national hero. Tonight’s training was all It was also good for the team and for me he’s happy to follow the footballer’s mantra of about preparation for his club’s next match as especially, because there was pressure on us taking each game as it comes and doing his best they try to defend the title they won last season. and we showed what we can really do.’ to fulfil the role of national hero. He seems down But just the mention of the Brazil team causes a to earth about the attention, if sometimes a little huge grin to spread across Ismail’s face. ‘To ‘When I go shopping surprised. ‘When I go shopping people recognise play against Brazil will be like a dream,’ he me and come up to say hello. Children want to says excitedly. ‘They have so much skill, they people recognise wear my shirt and take my shoes! But I just try to enjoy having the ball, and the midfield and do my best and it’s good for the country that I forwards can make so many chances for each me and come up to have support.’ other. It’s such a good side with so many good With the country’s support behind their players, so it will be a very good test for us.’ say hello. Children young leading light, should Brazil be nervous For a man of 22, about to play the best side about having to play against him? ‘I’m not so on the planet, you’d think there might be a few want to wear my sure,’ he chuckles. ‘I just want to get on the pitch anxieties building up, but he’s not fazed. ‘No, shirt and take with them.’ He says his favourite player is I’m not really nervous,’ he admits rather Ronaldinho and if the Brazilian plays on nonchalantly. ‘This is something that may my shoes’ November 12, Ismail would dearly love to swap only happen one time in my whole life. I have to shirts at the end of the game. During the match, concentrate and really show what I can do.’ Duda and Daniel have been snapped up by however, there’ll be no time for stargazing and The diminutive forward has been showing CSKA Moscow, but Ismail’s not jealous – he’s Ismail knows that this will be the biggest test of what he can do for quite some time now. Ismail confident that one day he’ll be making his name his career so far. Still, maybe the star player of made his first-team debut for Al Wahda when on the big stages of the European leagues. ‘Of the UAE team could show Ronaldinho a few he was just 15 and his prodigious talents have course, you always want to better yourself and I tricks of his own? He laughs and gently nods in already been showcased to the world. He was would love to play there,’ he says. ‘In Europe the agreement. ‘I’ll try…’• one of three candidates nominated for the 2003 teams have great players from many countries, Asian Young Player of the Year and was so every day you are training with them and awarded the Golden Ball as Player of the improving your own standard of play. Tournament at the 2003 World Youth However, here, in our league I think that in two Championships. With the UAE as host nation, or three years it will be much better.’ Where the tricky attacker captained the side and would the dream move be, I ask him? ‘Well you practically ran the show, at times appearing to can’t expect to go to the big teams straight be playing in midfield and up front away, but my dream would be to one day play simultaneously. Then UAE coach Jean- for either AC Milan or Barcelona. They are my Francois Jodar said of Ismail before the favourite European clubs, and maybe, tournament: ‘It’s like having Zinedine Zidane inshallah, it will happen.’ He smiles again and in the French team. With his presence and rocks back in the chair before (literally) putting play, he increases the confidence level in the his feet back on the ground and adding, ‘but I squad.’ High praise indeed, and not far short of have to prove myself by playing well for the Matar in action the mark. team now.’ 16 TIME OUT DUBAI | NOVEMBER 10-NOVEMBER 17 2005.