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Pakhtakor v Al Shabab Pre-Match Press Conference

Al Shabab head coach Marcos Paqueta says Wednesday night’s final AFC Champions League group game against Pakhtakor is one of the most important matches of the Dubai-based club’s season, as it offers the last chance to keep the UAE flag flying in the 2013 competition. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Paqueta said: “You will see all the players playing with extreme determination, not only for the club but for the UAE as we are representing the country. There are many people of Al Shabab and the UAE who are waiting and hoping to see us progress to the next stage of the tournament.” Paqueta added that his team has not performed badly in the previous group games, suffering from some bad luck and coping with a hectic fixture list, but they will do their best to put in a good performance and make it through to the final 16. With only two points separating all four Group B teams, anyone can qualify depending on the night’s results, so it is sure to be a dramatic few hours of football as all four teams fight to remain in the tournament, but Paqueta knows his side face a tough task against a strong Pakhtakor team. “Pakhtakor are good and will try to reach the next round, especially at their home ground and in front of their fans, but we will not rush to win from the beginning; we will play with balance, try to control the game, and exploit any opportunities that come our way.”