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AFC Asian Qualifiers
The first leg in Abu Dhabi ended in a 1-1 draw, with Iraq taking the lead through Ali Al Hamadi, with Luanzinho equalising for the UAE.
Under Graham Arnold, Iraq have been in good form and are on a four-match unbeaten run - showing attacking intent while maintaining defensive discipline.
Arnold expects his side to excel at the Basra International Stadium, with the Australian anticipating a full-capacity crowd to push the team over the line.
Arnold expects his side to excel at the Basra International Stadium, with the Australian anticipating a full-capacity crowd to push the team over the line.
However, Al Hamadi’s injury has thrown a spanner in Arnold’s plans after the forward picked up an injury from the first leg and will be replaced by Amar Muhsin, who plays for Swedish side K Brage, with Mohammed Jawad also brought in to strengthen options in the final third.
#AsianQualifiers - Road To 26 Playoffs | UAE 1-1 Iraq
UAE, meanwhile, will be buoyed by the resilience shown in the first leg, and the Emiratis will feel confident they can absorb the intensity of Iraq’s fans.
Head coach Cosmin Olaroiu has reshaped the UAE side with a flexible tactical approach, allowing them to vary their build-ups and also have quicker transitions.
Head coach Cosmin Olaroiu has reshaped the UAE side with a flexible tactical approach, allowing them to vary their build-ups and also have quicker transitions.
Goalkeeper Khalid Eisa, who made several key saves in the first leg, will again be crucial while Caio Canedo and Ali Saleh will be expected to feature more prominently, having come on late in the first leg.
Should the match end in a draw at the end of 90 minutes, extra-time and penalties will decide the tie with the winners to progress to the FIFA Intercontinental Playoffs in March where the final two spots for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be decided.
Should the match end in a draw at the end of 90 minutes, extra-time and penalties will decide the tie with the winners to progress to the FIFA Intercontinental Playoffs in March where the final two spots for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be decided.
Iraq v UAE
Venue: Basra International Stadium (Basra)
Kickoff: Tuesday, 19:00 (UTC+3)
Venue: Basra International Stadium (Basra)
Kickoff: Tuesday, 19:00 (UTC+3)
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