Lineup Instability Threatens Iraq’s World Cup Quest Against UAE
Iraq faces a tough two-legged Asian playoff against the United Arab Emirates amid persistent lineup instability and several injuries. The first leg is in Abu Dhabi, with the return in Basra on November 18, and the winner advances to a global playoff in March. Coach Graham Arnold must cope with missing key players while trying to build cohesion. Experts warn that defensive solidity may have come at the expense of attacking spark. Returns like Ayman Hussein could tip the balance.