Olaroiu urges UAE to show grit ahead of crucial clash versus Iraq

The UAE will need to draw on all their resolve in Basra on Tuesday to keep their World Cup ambitions on track.

Their bid to reach next summer’s finals in North America suffered a setback after they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Iraq at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Ali Al Hamadi’s opener gave Iraq the advantage, only for Luanzinho to level matters for the hosts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Olaroiu has urged his players to show courage and fight as they prepare to face Iraq in Basra, warning them to be ready for the visitors’ trademark physicality.

In Abu Dhabi, Iraq had dominated through sheer strength at set pieces and direct balls to their strikers. While Olaroiu admitted there is no easy remedy, he is confident his team can rise to the challenge.

“We have to give our all and believe in ourselves,” he added.

“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.”

Olaroiu also urged his players to be brave in the face of Iraq’s physicality, stressing that the away fixture is a true test of character, belief, and an opportunity to prove themselves.

On Saturday, UAE Football Association (UAEFA) responded to surging demand from national team supporters by increasing its charter flights to Basra for fans ahead of the pivotal second leg of the 2026 World Cup qualifying play-off against Iraq.

Originally planning to operate five private planes, UAEFA announced three additional flights—bringing the total to eight—after all seats were snapped up within just two hours of registration opening.

This generous move reflects the passionate support for the team, which was on full display in the first leg in Abu Dhabi.

With every seat accounted for on the flights and support swelling, UAE fans are making their intentions clear — they will be behind their team in Basra every step of the way, ready to make noise and back their bid for a place in the intercontinental playoff.

The match will take place at the 65,000-capacity Basra International Stadium, a venue renowned for its electric atmosphere, passionate crowds, and unwavering home support.

The fixture promises to be a spectacle of football intensity, where every tackle, pass, and goal could have monumental consequences for both teams.

Arnold has highlighted the significance of the home environment, warning that the Basra fans are among the most fervent supporters in Asian football.

He emphasised the critical role the supporters can play, describing them as the team’s potential “12th man” in this high-stakes encounter.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter