Former Iraq national team coach Dr. Jamal Salih has stated that the weaknesses of the UAE and Iraq teams are similar, with the defensive aspect being the most prominent. This comes ahead of two crucial matches, the first leg in Abu Dhabi tomorrow and the second leg on the 18th of this month in the Iraqi city of Basra, as part of the Asian playoff for qualification to the 2026 World Cup.Salih told "Al Ittihad": "The defensive side is concerning for both teams due to the vulnerabilities they have suffered, which became clear during their previous stages, whether for the UAE in the Qatar group or for the 'Lions of the Euphrates', who paid a heavy price in the third stage due to defensive errors, costing them direct qualification and sending them to the playoff in the Saudi Arabia group." He explained: "Both teams missed a golden opportunity for qualification again last month. The UAE team, due to defensive errors, lost to the hosts, Qatar, with a score of (1-2). Meanwhile, the defensive errors of the 'Lions of the Euphrates' led to two defeats at the end of the third stage against Palestine and South Korea, which sent them to the playoff in the Saudi Arabia group. There, they showed some defensive improvement, but they missed the opportunity again by drawing a goalless match in their last game against the hosts, the Saudi team." He added: "The match in Abu Dhabi will not be without goals, and small details are capable of deciding the outcome, especially as football relies on the ability to capitalize on the opponent's mistakes. The fewer defensive errors, the better the chances of winning, as a single defensive or goalkeeping error is often costly." Regarding the strengths of both teams and the advice he gives to the UAE coach, Cosmin, for the match against Iraq, Salih said: "The keys for Iraq lie in the attacking process and advancing into the opponent's half, and conversely, if the Iraqi team retreats to its defensive lines, it risks being subjected to pressure from the quality of players in the 'Al-Abidd' (UAE team) squad, who are capable of making a difference." He concluded: "Coach Cosmin has extensive experience in handling this type of match, similar to cup finals, relying on defensive solidity and building quick counter-attacks through the wings capable of posing a threat to the opponent's goal."The winner of the two matches between the UAE and Iraq will advance to the fifth stage, which will be held next March, featuring six teams from five different continents to determine the last qualifiers to the World Cup.Jamal Salih:• The match in Abu Dhabi will not be without goals, and small details are capable of deciding the outcome.• Cosmin has extensive experience in handling this type of match, similar to cup finals.
