Arnold confirms Hamadi's injury and fires up Iraqi fans for Basra showdown
13 November 2025
Match Snapshot and Baseline Feelings
Australian coach Graham Arnold, in charge of the Iraq national team, expressed satisfaction with the 1-1 draw against the United Arab Emirates in the first leg of the AFC World Cup qualifiers playoff. The game began with a bright start from Iraq as Ali Hamadi gave them the lead in the 10th minute, only for Luan Pereira to level for the UAE in the 18th.
The return leg is set for Basra on Tuesday, where Iraq hopes to leverage home advantage to reach the global playoff against one of Asia’s contenders and potentially secure a spot in the eventual intercontinental tie.
The World Cup playoff format features six teams, including two from Oceania and four from Asia, Africa, North and South America, all vying for a place in the global playoff round.
Historically, Iraq has qualified for the World Cup only once, in 1986 in Mexico, while the UAE achieved their sole appearance in 1990 in Italy. The semillions of possibilities of football drama remain very much in play as the second leg approaches.
Injury blow and tactical notes
Arnold explained in the post‑match press conference that Ali Hamadi had to be substituted at halftime due to an injury, a change that forced Iraq to adapt up front with teammate Ayman Hussein taking the lead. The Iraqi camp also noted that the visitors pressed high from the outset, with Iraq’s coaching staff prioritizing a strong opening and aggressive pressure to unsettle the UAE defense.
Arnold stressed that the aim remains the same: win in Basra and seal progression. He acknowledged the setback of Hamadi’s injury but insisted the focus is on a strong performance in the rematch.
Return leg and fan expectations
The Iraqi coach issued a direct call to the home crowd in Basra: fill the stadium and drive the team to victory. He requested around 65,000 supporters to create an electric atmosphere that could pressure the UAE and influence the result on the night.
Arnold also highlighted Iraq’s familiarity with Basra’s pitch conditions and stressed the emotional drive of the home fans, while noting the need to convert opportunities into goals after a first-leg showing that brought several chances but found the target only once in open play.
In terms of squad health, Iraq faced a string of injuries ahead of the return leg. Defender Rebin Sulaka and winger Montazer Majed were among the players affected, with several others managing fitness concerns and substitutions due to illnesses or fatigue. Nevertheless, the focus remained on a disciplined performance in Basra and maximizing their opportunities in front of their supporters.
Reaction and outlook
Former Iraqi great Nazha Akram praised the team’s effort, pointing to the first-half dominance and the need to convert chances as the decisive factor. Noor Sabri, the goalkeeper, credited the collective performance of the backline and the midfield for ensuring a hard-fought draw, while cautioning that the return leg will demand a continued high level of commitment and organization.
No matter the outcome, the matchup remains open with a spot in the global playoff on the line. The football world waits for Basra’s reply to determine which nation advances in the road to the World Cup finals.
Punchline time, sniper style: If football were hunting, Iraq just filed their scope; the UAE’s goalkeeper better bring a big lunch—the ball keeps crashing the net like a hungry giraffe. Sniper tip: aim for the goal, not the headlines; the net won’t lie to you.
Punchline two: In Basra, the crowd’s roar will be louder than a mortar round in a multiplayer match—just with fewer casualties, more referees’ whistles, and brighter scarves.
