Iraq Match Must Be Settled with a Two-Goal Margin Before Basra Shift, Says Misfir

The UAE national football team faces a crucial playoff match against Iraq, with technical analyst Dr. Abdullah Musfer warning that the team must secure a decisive victory in the first leg to avoid complications in the return match. The stakes are high as the team seeks to advance to the next round of World Cup qualifications.

Musfer stressed that the national team needs to win the away leg in the UAE by at least two goals. The return match on March 18 will be played in Basra, Iraq, where the home crowd and familiar conditions will give Iraq a significant advantage. "If they can secure a two-goal cushion, it would make the return leg manageable even if they draw or lose by one goal," Musfer explained.

The UAE team has struggled with defensive issues throughout the recent qualifying campaign. Individual errors and defensive gaps have cost them crucial goals, ultimately preventing their direct qualification. These same problems surfaced in their recent match against Qatar, highlighting the need for immediate improvement.

But there's reason for optimism in the defensive setup. Three players from Al Wahda club - Lucas Pimenta, Robin Felipe, and Ala Eddin Zuhair - could provide the solution. Their existing chemistry from playing together at club level might strengthen the national team's backline significantly.

Coach Olariu Cosmin will have to manage without injured striker Fabio Lima, who's sidelined with a groin injury. However, Musfer believes the attacking options remain strong. Hareb Abdullah, Ali Saleh, and Sultan Adel all bring different qualities to the forward line. Sultan Adel has consistently scored important goals in his national team appearances, making him a reliable option.

Musfer also highlighted striker Mohammed Awadallah as an excellent player with pace and strength. Having known Awadallah since he was 18, the analyst believes the striker could make a significant impact if selected.

The match represents more than just qualification hopes. It's a test of whether the UAE can fix the defensive frailties that have plagued recent performances while maintaining their attacking threat. Iraq brings a strong squad with quality players, making this a genuine test of the team's progress under Cosmin's guidance.

For UAE football, reaching the next qualification phase would mark an important step forward after missing out on direct World Cup qualification. The two-legged playoff format means every goal and every defensive mistake will be magnified across both matches.