The national team overturned a 1-0 deficit against the Syrian national team, the “Qasioun Eagles,” to an exciting 3-1 victory yesterday in a friendly match held at Zabeel Stadium, as preparation for the Asian qualifiers playoff for the 2026 World Cup finals.

The goals for the “White” team were scored by Shasa Ivkovic in the 62nd minute, Yahya Al Ghassani from a penalty kick in the 78th, and Gaston Suarez in the 86th, while Syria’s goal was scored by Mohammad Al Salakhdi in the 35th minute.

The team appeared less effective than expected in the first half, despite Romanian coach Olario Cosmin’s reliance on an attacking lineup that gave the team control of midfield but struggled in the final third. The team created real scoring chances, yet the first threat for the UAE came from a set piece executed powerfully by Ali Saleh, whose shot hit the human wall and went away from danger zones. The same player later missed another valuable chance after receiving a precise cross from Caio Canedo but failed to place it properly in the net.

The most notable moment was a powerful shot by Alaa Zuhair that nearly shook the net, but the crossbar intervened to deny the team a certain goal.

The Syrian team capitalized on a defensive error following a distinguished through pass from Simon Amin, and with an unsuccessful exit by goalkeeper Ali Khaseif, Mohammad Al Salakhdi found the open path to put the ball in the net, giving Syria the lead (35th minute).

The White’s attacking effectiveness increased in the second half after several substitutions by coach Olario Cosmin. The start was with a shot by substitute Gaston Suarez, which did not pose a real threat to goalkeeper Ahmed Madania, before the crossbar again denied the “White” a certain goal after blocking a strong header from Caio Canedo.

Defender Shasa Ivkovic managed to bring the match back to square one by scoring the equalizer after a corner kick played by Ali Saleh, rising above defenders and placing the ball into the net at the 62nd minute.

Substitute Bruno De Oliveira earned a penalty after being fouled inside the box, which was successfully converted by fellow substitute Yahya Al Ghassani at the 78th minute. Before the end, Gaston Suarez extended the lead by adding the third goal with a powerful shot from inside the box at the 86th minute.

The White will start their qualification journey with a tough match against Oman on October 11 at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Al Sadd Club, before facing Qatar on October 14 at the same venue.