UAE World Cup hopes dented after tense defeat to Qatar in Doha
As-salamu alaykum - the UAE's bid for direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup took a big hit after a 2-0 loss to Qatar in Doha.
Second-half headers from Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium sealed the win for the hosts and sent Qatar through to the finals again next year in North America. That result put them top of the three-team play-off group and gave them automatic qualification.
Because the UAE finished second - helped by their earlier comeback win over Oman - they still have a route, but it’s a more complicated one. They will now go into the extended play-off process that involves teams from other confederations. Insha'Allah they can make it through.
What began as a carnival feel among the travelling Emirati fans ended up sour. The night before the match supporters from both sides had been mixing peacefully in central Doha, but after the goals some in the away section reacted badly. Plastic cups and bottles were thrown, and a few people even climbed over the perimeter fence. Security and police removed several who ran onto the pitch.
The crowd had been loud and hopeful for most of the evening. Fans queued hours early and the small allocation of tickets for Emiratis - reportedly around 1,000, while many more had travelled - meant the designated section was packed. The UAE end was lively throughout, with chants and songs, including one poking at so-called “rented fans.”
On the pitch, the UAE started more cautiously than they had in the dramatic comeback vs Oman. Coach made several changes after that taxing game less than three days earlier, swapping the attacking 4-2-4 plan used against Oman for a more conservative shape - a draw would have been enough to qualify, after all.
The match had tense moments early on. A strange incident saw Qatar’s coach Julen Lopetegui hit by the ball after a tackle by his own player, Assim Madibo, and he ended up briefly on the floor. The deadlock lasted to half-time, but Qatar broke it just after the restart when Khoukhi headed in from a free-kick conceded by Ali Saleh. Celebrations near the UAE fans sparked confrontations on the touchline.
Miguel made it 2-0 later from another set-piece by Akram Afif, and tempers flared again - security had to step in. UAE defender Tarek Salman was shown a straight red for a reckless challenge, and while Sultan Adil pulled one back deep in added time it wasn’t enough.
Tough night for the national team and for the fans, but the campaign isn't over. May Allah give the players and staff strength and guidance as they prepare for the next stage of qualification.
https://www.thenationalnews.co