Jordan's National Team Soars Over Syria's Eagles in Friendly Match

UAE National Team Stages Comeback Victory Against Syria in World Cup Qualifier Warm-Up

The UAE national football team delivered a dramatic 3-1 comeback victory over Syria's "Qasioun Eagles" in a friendly match at Zabeel Stadium, overturning a first-half deficit to build momentum ahead of their crucial Asian World Cup qualifying playoffs for the 2026 tournament.

Second-Half Substitutions Transform Performance

Despite a sluggish first-half display that saw Syria take the lead through Mohammed Al-Salakhdi in the 35th minute, the UAE's tactical adjustments proved decisive. Romanian coach Oláriο Cosmin's substitutions injected fresh energy into the team, with defender Shasa Ivcović equalizing in the 62nd minute from a corner kick delivered by Ali Saleh.

The momentum shift became complete when substitute Bruno de Oliveira earned a penalty after being fouled in the box, which Yahya Al-Ghassani converted successfully in the 78th minute. Gaston Suarez sealed the victory with a powerful strike from inside the penalty area in the 86th minute.

First-Half Struggles Expose Tactical Concerns

The opening 45 minutes revealed concerning gaps in the UAE's attacking efficiency. While Cosmin's offensive formation provided midfield control, the team struggled in the final third, with Ali Saleh squandering two clear scoring opportunities. The most notable miss came when Alaa Zahir's powerful shot struck the crossbar, denying what appeared to be a certain goal.

Syria capitalized on a defensive error, with Simon Amin's precise through-ball finding Al-Salakhdi, who exploited goalkeeper Ali Khaseif's poor positioning to give the visitors an unexpected advantage.

Critical World Cup Qualifying Campaign Ahead

This friendly serves as vital preparation for the UAE's World Cup qualifying playoff campaign, which begins with a challenging fixture against Oman on October 11 at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Al Sadd Club. The team will then face Qatar on October 14 at the same venue.

Tactical Flexibility Provides Hope

The second-half transformation demonstrates Cosmin's ability to adapt his tactical approach mid-game. The introduction of fresh legs and a more direct attacking style proved effective against Syrian resistance, suggesting the team possesses the depth and versatility needed for the upcoming qualifying challenges.

With the 2026 World Cup expanding to 48 teams and offering increased opportunities for Asian nations, the UAE's qualifying campaign carries significant importance for the country's football development and regional sporting ambitions. The comeback victory against Syria, while encouraging, highlights both the potential and the work still required as the team prepares for more demanding opponents in the weeks ahead.