The UAE ‘ready’ to fight for a place in Fifa World Cup, says Olaroiu

As the nation waits with bated breath, anticipating a World Cup berth after a gap of 35 years, Cosmin Olaroiu will hope to find the perfect formula to dismantle Qatar and take The Whites to the pinnacle of the beautiful game.

- Rituraj Borkakoty

UAE players pose for a photo before the start of the World Cup qualifier against Oman at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on October 11.

(AFP)

But for the master tactician from Romania, playing beautiful football is not the top priority. The collective goal is to avoid defeat and make history.

The UAE only need a draw in the last Group A game of the fourth round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers against hosts Qatar to earn a direct berth at the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

For Qatar, the two-time defending Asian champion, it's a must-win game which will get underway at 9 pm UAE Time, Tuesday, at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.

Anything other than a victory will send the Qataris to the complicated playoff rounds.

Qatar's home advantage

After an insipid display in a goalless opening game against Oman, the 2022 World Cup hosts will be eager to bounce back in Doha.

They have the advantage of playing at home. The 15,000-capacity Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium will be dominated by Qatar fans as the travelling supporters have been allocated only eight per cent of the seats.