AFC Asian Qualifiers
Amir Al Ammari struck a stoppage-time penalty to seal the win, following Mohanad Ali’s equaliser after Caio Lucas had opened the scoring for UAE with Iraq winning 3-2 on aggregate.
#AsianQualifiers - Road To 26 Playoffs | Iraq 2-1 UAE
The tactician praised his players but stressed on the work ahead to build a team capable of competing in the playoffs.
“We are now just one step away from qualifying for the World Cup Finals,” said Arnold, whose post match press conference was gatecrashed by the celebrating Iraq players.
“From today, we must work on building a team capable of competing with the world's best.”
“We are now just one step away from qualifying for the World Cup Finals,” said Arnold, whose post match press conference was gatecrashed by the celebrating Iraq players.
“From today, we must work on building a team capable of competing with the world's best.”
Arnold, who led his native Australia to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, spared no effort in ensuring his players would be ready for UAE - banning social media, tightening routines as well as improving diets and sleep schedules.
The players can expect more of that as Arnold is determined to take them to next year’s global showpiece to be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
"We still haven't qualified for the World Cup," Arnold said. "Keep supporting the players, the road is long, but the goal is achievable. The (FIFA) Arab Cup is next."
The players can expect more of that as Arnold is determined to take them to next year’s global showpiece to be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
"We still haven't qualified for the World Cup," Arnold said. "Keep supporting the players, the road is long, but the goal is achievable. The (FIFA) Arab Cup is next."
The 62-year-old also expressed his gratitude to the fans.
“I thank the fans who came today and I promise them a team they can be proud of. We will continue working to attract the best players.”
Iraq will learn their route to the Finals in Thursday’s draw, with six teams - two from Concacaf and one each from AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL and OFC - qualifying for the playoffs.
The four lowest-ranked nations in the FIFA World Ranking will meet in bracket semi-finals. The two highest-ranked teams will go directly into the finals. The winners of the two bracket finals will qualify for the FIFA World Cup 26.
“I thank the fans who came today and I promise them a team they can be proud of. We will continue working to attract the best players.”
Iraq will learn their route to the Finals in Thursday’s draw, with six teams - two from Concacaf and one each from AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL and OFC - qualifying for the playoffs.
The four lowest-ranked nations in the FIFA World Ranking will meet in bracket semi-finals. The two highest-ranked teams will go directly into the finals. The winners of the two bracket finals will qualify for the FIFA World Cup 26.
While Iraq can start planning for their next steps, it was bitter disappointment for Cosmin Olaroiu’s UAE.
“I come with an open heart to the national team because I love this country and I want to help with my experience to qualify for the World Cup. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. There are many things we could have controlled better and many we couldn’t - like the last ball (penalty),” said head coach Olaroiu.
“I’m disappointed because I think we could have done more but for this, we needed to leave everything on the pitch.
“It’s the best game that we’ve played but in that best game, we had so many things against us. We scored four goals in two games with two cancelled because of offside.”
“I come with an open heart to the national team because I love this country and I want to help with my experience to qualify for the World Cup. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. There are many things we could have controlled better and many we couldn’t - like the last ball (penalty),” said head coach Olaroiu.
“I’m disappointed because I think we could have done more but for this, we needed to leave everything on the pitch.
“It’s the best game that we’ve played but in that best game, we had so many things against us. We scored four goals in two games with two cancelled because of offside.”
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