DREAM DASHED
As twilight set over the Jordanian capital of Amman, the only flicker of light that the UAE had, vanished into the darkening sky. The UAE’s Russian dream came to an end after a 1-0 loss to Iraq in their final fixture of the Asia Zone qualifying on Tuesday.
There had been an ever so slight glimmer of hope for the Whites going into the game, especially after that heroic performance against Saudi Arabia last time out. But then, Edgardo Bauza’s troopers couldn’t quite conjure a similar showing against the Iraqis, on neutral turf.
The UAE had needed to win, and win handsomely, at the Amman International Stadium to overturn goal differences, apart from hoping other results go their way.
But Ayman Hussein proved to be the difference between the two sides, the 21-year-old striker settling the issue with a brilliant header on the half hour.
The Whites, depleted with injuries and suspensions, couldn’t quite stage the fightback against a stoic Iraq, who kept them on a tight leash.
The UAE’s hopes had slowly diminished during the afternoon itself after Australia staved off a spirited challenge from Thailand, to win 2-1 in Melbourne.
That had meant the second automatic spot, although a very, very long shot, was out of question.
Still, third spot and with it the playoffs, was still on the table, with Saudi Arabia set to take on already qualified Japan later. But that result was left redundant after the UAE couldn’t go for that one final push.
It has been a long winding campaign for the UAE where every sinew was stretched, with blood, sweat and tears, littered along the way.
This was perhaps the UAE’s best shot after their lone appearance at Italy in 1990. Dubbed as the ‘Golden Generation,’ this bunch of players had given us massive hope with their performances over the years. But then, sadly, it was not to be. Now, we face another wait to dream on again and it remains to be seen how many members of this ‘Golden Generation’ will still be there in four years’ time.
Nonetheless, it isn’t the end of the world as the Gulf Cup of Nations campaign and the AFC Asian Cup in 2019 on home soil awaits. And coach, Bauza, who had only taken over in May, will have a good enough time frame to mould this unit.
Returning to the game in Amman, it was the Iraqis who asked the early questions. The UAE, already hampered with a flurry of injuries, were dealt another one with defender Mohamed Fawzi limping off injured, 12 minutes into the game. Bauza was forced into a substitution and he brought on Abdulaziz Haikal.
The UAE’s first foray came through a set piece with captain Ismail Matar’s curling freekick, collected by his opposite number and goalkeeper Gassid.
The danger still lurked for the UAE with Iraq surging forward whenever an opportunity presented itself. The Iraqis kept more of the ball and didn’t allow the UAE to play their natural game.
And it didn’t take long for Iraq to break the stalemate, with Aiyman popping up to head home from close range, after a Waleed Saleem chip from the right.
The UAE midfield was kept in check and so was their striker Ahmed Khalil.