Saudi Arabia vs Iraq match review
Saudi Arabia and Iraq entered this match with the same mindset as a final. Both teams have 3 points after defeating Indonesia, but Saudi Arabia is temporarily ranked higher thanks to a superior goal difference (scoring 3 goals). This is a big advantage, putting the home team in a position where they only need a draw to win Group B and a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Iraq had to win to return to the World Cup stage after 39 years of absence. This made the match situation imagined as a battle between a tight defense (Saudi Arabia) and a rampant attack (Iraq). Both teams had squads of equal quality, disciplined and methodical playing style, built by two experienced coaches, Herve Renard (Saudi Arabia) and Graham Arnold (Iraq).
In-depth analysis of the match Saudi Arabia vs Iraq
Saudi Arabia: Home advantage and "upper hand" mentality
Saudi Arabia have home advantage in Jeddah and the mentality that a draw is enough. Under coach Herve Renard, the green team has shown a methodical style of play that is not easily broken down. A dramatic 3-2 win over Indonesia in the opening match showed their good scoring ability with 3 goals (giving them an advantage on goal difference).
If coach Renard prioritizes strengthening the defense to be more secure, Saudi Arabia will achieve their goal. The balance between the lines and disciplined play will be the fulcrum for them to confidently control the match, especially when they can actively retreat and wait for the opportunity to counterattack.
Iraq: Must win, great pressure on the attack
Iraq entered this match with the spirit of "nothing to lose" but faced enormous psychological pressure: they had to win. Their qualifying journey was impressive (winning all 2 rounds), but recent victories, even against weak opponents like Hong Kong, were hard-fought, with few goals.
This shows that Iraq is having problems in attack. Striker Sherko Karim is not very sharp, and the two wingers Meme and Kevin Yakob have not created much momentum. The only goal against Indonesia came from substitute midfielder Zidane Iqbal, a sign of the lack of flexibility of the main squad. In this "eight ounces, half a pound" confrontation, the weaker scoring ability will be the biggest challenge for coach Graham Arnold and his team.
Team information: Who is absent and who is shining?
Saudi Arabia's Force Analysis
Absent: Midfielder Mohamed Kanno (suspended due to red card) is a big loss in midfield.
However, Saudi Arabia's squad has good depth and home advantage will give them more confidence.
Saudi Arabia (4-3-3): Al Aqidi, Boushal, Thakri, Al Tambakti, Al Harbi, Al Shamat, Al Khaibari, Al Dawsari, Al Juwayr, Saleh, Al Buraikan.
Analysis: Saudi Arabia will have to replace key midfielder Kanno (suspended). The expected lineup will maintain balance between the lines, focusing on flexibility in attacking phases, combining both the wings and the center.
Analysis of Iraqi forces
Absences: Defender Zaid Tahseen (suspended due to red card) will not be able to play.
The return of other key players and the "nothing to lose" spirit will be a big boost for Iraq. Young midfielder Zidane Iqbal can be a breakthrough factor if trusted.
Iraq (4-3-3): Hachim, Ali, Younis, Doski, Resan, Al Ammari, Bayesh, Rebin Sulaka, Meme, Karim, Zidane Iqbal.
Analysis: Iraq also lost defender Tahseen (suspension). Coach Graham Arnold will likely push the squad up with an attacking 4-3-3 formation, expecting the midfield to create breakthroughs and the sharpness of the strikers.
Predict the score of the match Saudi Arabia vs Iraq
Although Iraq has a greater motivation to win, the difference in mentality ("just need a draw" vs. "must win") and home advantage will be a solid support for Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia can take advantage of Iraq's increased impatience to launch sharp counter-attacks. However, with both teams having disciplined playing styles and flexible attacking capabilities, a draw with goals is very likely to happen, helping Saudi Arabia complete the goal.
Sportsmole score prediction: 2-0
Da Nang Newspaper predicts the score: 2-1
When and where to watch Saudi Arabia vs Iraq live?
To watch live the Saudi Arabia vs Iraq match in the World Cup qualifiers taking place at 01:45 on October 15, viewers can watch on K+ Sport, K+PM or official online sports channels.
Source: https://baodanang.vn/nhan-dinh-tran-dau-saudi-arabia-vs-iraq-lieu-iraq-co-the-tai-lap-ky-tich-world-cup-1986-3306298.html
Comment (0)