Ex-Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza set to be new United Arab Emirates boss

Former Argentina boss Edgardo Bauza appears set to become the new manager of the United Arab Emirates national team.

The Argentine Football Association controversially sacked the 59-year-old in April after just eight competitive games (three wins, two draws, three losses) in charge.

That less-than-stellar form has left the Albiceleste sitting fifth in World Cup qualifying with four games to play -- only the top four are assured of spots at Russia 2018.

Bauza, however, has his sights firmly set on his new task with the U.A.E., whose World Cup qualification hopes also hang finely in the balance.

"I know the soccer of that area because I worked four months in Arabia," Bauza told ESPN Argentina.

"It's not the Emirates but I know the nature of the players from there.

"I'm traveling to close on details of the contract and to see the work conditions. There is a game in 25 days. We have to know the team and get it ready. I saw some videos but I need to know it more.

"The goal is to be close to Japan and Australia, the two big teams in that area."

Bauza's first World Cup qualifier as U.A.E. boss will be against already-eliminated Thailand on June 13, followed by an Aug. 31 trip to Saudi Arabia to face-off against Bert van Marwijk's impressive Green Falcons.

Win those two matches, and the U.A.E.'s final group game versus Iraq on Sept. 5 could well decide which nation clinches third spot in the group and move on to the AFC's fourth round playoff.

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