The UAE back-four must “concentrate much more” if the Whites are to avoid an embarrassing early exit at the Gulf Cup, according to former caretaker boss Abdullah Misfir.
Glaring weaknesses in defence from the holders were on show in Monday’s damaging 2-2 draw with Kuwait. Centre-backs Mohamed Ahmed and Mohanad Salem first allowed striker Yousif Al Sulaiman a free header, before attacking midfielder Bader Al Mutawa was given too much time to unleash a fierce 20-yard equaliser.
Such weaknesses are expected to be punished once more by an Iraq side who have looked threatening whenever Columbus Crew forward Justin Meram and on-loan Al Dhafra playmaker Humam Tariq are involved.
And Misfir, who took temporary charge prior to Mahdi Ali’s arrival in 2012, believes that more focus from the defenders is needed.
“This type of match requires good concentration, good discipline and to score,” said Misfir.
“We have missed many chances. We need to score, while at the same time concentrate very hard and stick together. The back-four were not good enough in the last two matches.
“Our back-four must concentrate much more, as they are a little bit far from each other. Our team should keep compact against Iraq, who are very fast in the first half.
“If I compare us with Iraq, they do not look ready for this tournament. In the second halves of the last two matches they have not been able to keep up their rhythm.”
Meanwhile, centre midfielder Amer Abdulrahman is a doubt for tonight’s Group B decider after picking up a knock against Kuwait.
Coach Ali has a wealth of options to choose from in that area if he needs a replacement. Al Ahli battler Majed Hassan recovered from a hip complaint to make the tournament, while Mohamed Abdulrahman has been sensational for Al Ain this season.
Both men came off the bench against the Blues, with Misfir siding with the latter because of his superior offensive ability if Amer Abdulrahman fails to recover.
“I would bring in Mohamed Abdulrahman, he had a very good performance against Yemen," he continued.
Majed Hassan also played very well against Yemen, but he is like Omar Abdulrahman as he has only just come back from a long time injury. Physically, he might not be ready to start. Normally, he would play in this position.
“Mohamed can play several positions in midfield. If we look to be offensive, I think we will go with him.”
