Clash of Titans: Nepal vs. UAE in FIFA World Cup Preliminary Round 2
The football world is abuzz with anticipation as Nepal and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to go head-to-head in the FIFA World Cup Preliminary Round 2 on November 16. As these two nations prepare to battle it out on the pitch, let's take a closer look at their respective strengths, weaknesses, and recent performance.
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Nepal's national football team, known as the "Gorkhalis," has been steadily making progress in recent years. While they might not be the most renowned team in the world, their passion for the sport and growing talent pool make them a formidable opponent.
Strengths:
- Spirit and Determination: Nepal's team is known for their unwavering spirit and determination. They give their all in every match, fighting for every ball and displaying an unbreakable resolve.
- Young Talent: Nepal has been nurturing young talents who are making their presence felt on the international stage. Players like Manish Dangi, Laken Limbu and Hishub Thapaliya have shown great promise.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of International Experience: Nepal's players often lack exposure to high-level international competitions, which can be a disadvantage when facing seasoned teams.
- Defensive Vulnerability: Historically, Nepal has struggled with its defense. They often concede goals due to lapses in concentration, which could be exploited by their opponents.
- Lack of proper striker: Nepal has been searching for a proper striker who have a higher conversion rate. Though the team have some high scorers like Anjan Bista, but he too has not been so effective as the proper striker.
The United Arab Emirates, also known as the "Abyad" (The Whites), have established themselves as a regional football powerhouse. With an array of talented players and a strong infrastructure, they present a tough challenge for any opponent.
Strengths:
- Strong Midfield: UAE boasts a formidable midfield, with players like Omar Abdulrahman and Ali Mabkhout, who can control the game and create goal-scoring opportunities.
- Defensive Solidity: The UAE's defense is well-organized and disciplined, making it difficult for opponents to break through their lines.
- International Experience: UAE has participated in several AFC Asian Cups and World Cup Qualifiers, providing valuable international exposure to their players.
Weaknesses:
- Overreliance on Key Players: The UAE has at times relied heavily on individual talents, which can be a double-edged sword. Injuries or poor form of key players can affect their performance.
- Away Matches: Playing away from home, especially in the challenging conditions in Nepal, could pose a significant challenge for the UAE.
Recent Performance
Nepal's recent performances have shown promise, with commendable results in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship. They reached the semifinals in the 2021 edition, underlining their progress. Talking about the recent form Nepal has been in a very good shape. Loosing against the higher ranked Myanmar on September Nepal has been undefeated in last four matches.
- Nepal 1-0 Laos, FIFA WC Preliminary Round 1, Away
- Nepal 1-1 Laos, FIFA WC Preliminary Round 1, Away
- Nepal 0-1 Myanmar, Sep FIFA International friendly 2023
- Nepal 0-0 Myanmar, Sep FIFA International friendly 2023
- Nepal 1-0 Pakistan, SAFF Championship 2023 Group Stage
On the other hand, the UAE has a rich history of participating in high-stakes competitions. They've been a regular fixture in the AFC Asian Cup and have consistently been part of the World Cup Qualifiers. However, their performance in the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers was mixed, and they failed to secure a spot in the final tournament.
Nepal vs UAE football head to head
The November 16 showdown promises to be a thrilling match as Nepal's determination clashes with the UAE's experience and skill. The match's outcome is hard to predict, as both teams have their strengths and weaknesses.
Nepal will rely on their passionate home crowd, while the UAE will look to their experienced players to guide them to victory. It's a crucial match for both sides, as they aim to progress further in the World Cup qualifiers.
As fans worldwide eagerly await this exciting encounter, we can be certain that the Nepal vs. UAE match will be a testament to the universal appeal and unifying power of the beautiful game, football
Talking about the matches UAE played in their home ground at Al Maktoum Stadium, they have beaten Kuwait & Lebanon by 1-0. Remainder both these teams even participated in the regional competition that Nepal usually plays the SAFF Championship 2023. Nepal even faced Kuwait in the group stage where they suffered a 3-1 loss against the guests. About Lebanon, they were the semifinalists in the SAFF, who lost in nail-biting encounter against the host & the champions India in the penalty shootout.
UAE were out of contesting in the Qatar World Cup 2022 after they were beaten by Australia by 2-1 in the fourth round qualifiers.
Nepal vs UAE Squad
Nepal Probable Playing XI: Formation 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Kiran Chemjong (GK)
Defenders: Aashish Chaudhary, Rohit Chand, Chiiring Lama, Sanish Shrestha
Midfielders: Arik Bista, Laken Limbu, Manish Dangi
Forwards: Aayush Ghalan, Gilepsy Jung Karki, Anjan Bista
Head Coach: Vincenzo Alberto Annesse (Italy)
UAE Probable Playing XI: Formation 4-3-2-1
Goalkeeper: K Eisa (GK)
Defenders: A Idrees, K Al. Hashemi, K Al Hammadi, K Al Dhanhani
Defensive Midfielders: Y Nader, Al Salmeen
Attacking Midfielders: Y Al Ghassani, A Saleh, Fabio Lima
Striker: Ciao Candeo
Head Coach: Paulo Bento (Portugal)