AFC Asian Qualifiers
Olaroiu admitted his side had a difficult start in the first leg, conceding to Ali Al Hamadi in the 10th minute at a packed Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium.
However, the Emiratis quickly responded through Luanzinho, whose header eight minutes later kept the tie evenly poised.
However, the Emiratis quickly responded through Luanzinho, whose header eight minutes later kept the tie evenly poised.
#AsianQualifiers - Road To 26 Playoffs | UAE 1-1 Iraq
“It was a tough match. We had a poor start after conceding an early goal and we also struggled to build attacks. Iraq dominated the first half, but we came back in the second,” said Olaroiu.
Looking ahead to the return clash in Basra, Olaroiu stressed that his charges must remain resilient.
“Now we have the second leg, where we must be strong and courageous. I believe that, theoretically, the chances are still equal for both teams and we must fight until the end. We have to weather the storm and battle away from home.”
Looking ahead to the return clash in Basra, Olaroiu stressed that his charges must remain resilient.
“Now we have the second leg, where we must be strong and courageous. I believe that, theoretically, the chances are still equal for both teams and we must fight until the end. We have to weather the storm and battle away from home.”
Iraq head coach Graham Arnold reflected on a performance that could have yielded more for his side.
“It was a fantastic match between the two teams and enjoyable for the fans. We were unlucky, we could have sealed the victory in the first half,” said Arnold. “We decided not to defend but to press from the start to deny the UAE players possession.”
“It was a fantastic match between the two teams and enjoyable for the fans. We were unlucky, we could have sealed the victory in the first half,” said Arnold. “We decided not to defend but to press from the start to deny the UAE players possession.”
“We’ve completed half the journey and we have another 90 minutes to play. I want the fans to continue their support, and I expect 65,000 fans to attend the return leg.”
The winners of the tie will advance 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.
The winners of the tie will advance 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.
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