Asian Cup 2015: Socceroos face UAE in semi-final, former star Brett Holman wary of Omar Abdulrahman

FORMER Socceroo Brett Holman said the UAE’s lightning attacking trio pose the biggest threat in Monday’s Asian Cup semi-final.

Omar Abdulrahman of United Arab Emirates controls the ball during the quarter-final football match between Japan and UAE at the AFC Asian Cup in Sydney on January 23, 2015. AFP PHOTO / CRAIG GOLDING --IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE

FORMER Socceroo Brett Holman said the UAE’s lightning attacking trio pose the biggest threat in Monday’s Asian Cup semi-final.

But he predicted former teammate Tim Cahill could have the final say in Newcastle.

Holman, who said he is content with his decision to retire, signed with UAE club Al-Nasr from Aston Villa in 2013.

Ali Ahmed Mabkhout (Al-Jazira) and Ahmed Khalil (Al-Ahli) have scored all six of UAE’s goals while Omar Abdulrahman (Al-Ain) has been the chief supplier, and Holman said his UAE league opponents are dangerous on the counter.

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Omar Abdulrahman has already created a huge impression with his ability on the ball.

”Mabkhout, Khalil and Omar Abdulrahman are their three most important players,’’ Holman said from Dubai.

”They’re smart, fast attackers and if Australia contain them then they go a long way to winning.

“I’ve been here for 18 months and the league is getting stronger.

“Although Japan weren’t at their best, they were level after 120 minutes. They defended well.

“They won the Gulf Cup (in 2013) and they’ve progressed since.’’

Holman has been watching games along with his Al-Nasr teammates, and has been impressed with the Socceroos and crowds.

“They’re on a good run and these young boys who are starting their national team careers are writing history,’’ he said.

“They’re flying and if they’re at full strength and continue playing that way they’ll be hard to beat.

“Against China, Timmy took it upon himself and made it his game.

“If Timmy stays fit and sharp then UAE are in for a tough night. Hopefully they can go on and win and I can have a dig at teammates.’’

Ali Mabkhout is another of UAE’s dangermen.

He played an important role in World Cup qualifying but Holman retired from the national team on the eve of Brazil 2014.

Holman, 30, was a strong chance to go to Brazil, but is content with his call despite still dominating in the UAE league.

“I made my decision, I’ve moved on and I’ve had no regrets,’’ Holman said.

“I won’t tell you all the reasons because it’s too long, but things play on your mind.

“It was a build up of certain things, then something pops in your head and if you think of retirement, something’s wrong.

Brett Holman says he is satisfied with his decision to retire from international duty.

“I don’t watch and wish I was out there. There was a single moment at the World Cup, but watching the games with my feet up, cheering on the Aussies, I had peace with my decision.

“World Cup selection didn’t play a role in my decision.

“I felt I did my part, to play 60-odd Socceroos games and score in a World Cup was a dream come true.

“But the boys are doing well and it’s a promising future.’’

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Socceroos face UAE in semi-final, former star Brett Holman wary of Omar Abdulrahman