In a crucial clash in the Asian World Cup Qualifying campaign, Qatar is set to face the United Arab Emirates in Al Rayyan on Tuesday. This match represents a pivotal moment for both teams, as a win will secure a spot for the victor in next year’s World Cup.
The United Arab Emirates enters this fixture with an advantage after their recent victory over Oman, placing them in a strong position in the qualifying group. Currently, Qatar sits in second place, a position that allows them to progress to a fifth-round playoff tie. Both teams understand the stakes, as a win guarantees their place in the forthcoming tournament, while a draw ensures advancement to the playoffs. Conversely, a loss could signal the end of their qualifying journey.
Qatar will be seeking redemption after debuting as the host nation in the 2022 World Cup, where they faced a disappointing exit in the group stages. Under the leadership of manager Julen Lopetegui, who took over in May, the Maroons have performed admirably thus far in the qualifiers, securing 13 points from their previous ten matches. They opened their fourth-round campaign with a goalless draw against Oman, and will be pushing for a victory to solidify their chances of World Cup participation for the second consecutive time.
The United Arab Emirates, on the other hand, aims to relive its World Cup experience for the first time since 1990. They started the qualifiers strong, topping their second-round group before finishing third in Group A of the third round, collecting 15 points. They have already secured two impressive victories over Qatar during this qualifying process, and their recent comeback win against Oman has further boosted their confidence.
Both teams will be keen to field their strongest lineups. Qatar may retain a similar starting XI from their match against Oman, relying on the experience of players such as Almoez Ali and captain Hassan Al-Haydos in their quest for goals. The UAE could also remain unchanged from their successful outing, with key players like Caio and Nicolas Gimenez expected to play pivotal roles on the pitch.
With anticipation building for this do-or-die encounter, the atmosphere promises to be electric as both sides vie for qualification. Given their recent performances, the United Arab Emirates might have the upper hand, although Qatar will be determined to fight for their place in the World Cup, making for an exciting matchup in Al Rayyan.