If I were asked to compile a top-10 events that most interest Emiratis as a group… I’m not sure I could do it. Well, I could come up with a list, but I’d be bringing completely random concepts off the top of my head by the time I got to No. 5 or 6. “Shopping for SUVs?”

But I have a pretty good idea what would be No. 1:

The UAE national football team.

If these guys are playing, whether the senior team that failed to score in the Asian Cup back in January (and sending the country into a funk) or the various age-group teams, UAE citizens seem to perk up and pay attention.

The team they were following today: the Under 23 team — that is, the Olympic team, which is trying to qualify for London 2010.

The UAE has made only one World Cup (in 1990) and has never played in the Olympic tournament, so qualifying is a big deal, and is closely followed.

And everyone seemed a bit pepped up by a 1-0 victory over North Korea at Kim Il-sung Stadium in North Korea.

This was the first leg of a two-legged encounter. The second game will be played in Al Ain on Thursday.

A kid named Mohammed Ahmed scored the only goal, on a header. North Korea had some outstanding chances in the second half, including one shot that would have been a goal had not a defender thrown himself at the guy’s feet, in the goalie box, with his face toward the goal. The shot went off the UAE guy’s right arm, but since he was facing away from the shooter it was an inadvertent touch, and no PK was called.

Anyway, I really do think the locals were a little peppier, after seeing that game. The usual “good work, boys” notes and comments were posted on the FA’s website (uaefa.ae). Those “we are behind you!” and “great game!” notes from various dignitaries sprout up when things go well, and before any key match several players are sure to promise they will “give their all” for the country.

North Korea might still be a slightly better team, and a 1-0 lead in a two-game series is not exactly safe. Let’s see what happens on Thursday in Al Ain. Be interesting to see if the interest translates into several thousand guys braving the heat of June and actually coming to the game.