Tournament: World Cup Qualification AFC
Date & Kick-Off Time: 2024.09.05, 12:00
In the first round of AFC World Cup Qualification, Iraq will host Oman on September 5, 2024. Both teams are looking to kickstart their campaigns with a win, having shown good form in the lead-up to this clash.
Key Statistics and Trends
- Iraq: Has won 4 consecutive matches and 6 consecutive home matches.
- Oman: Is unbeaten in their last 6 matches.
- Home Advantage: Iraq is unbeaten in their last 14 home games.
- Scoring Streak: Iraq has scored in their last 8 matches.
- First-Half Performance: Iraq wins the first half in 33% of their matches, while Oman does so in 50%.
Possible Line-Ups
Iraq:
- Goalkeeper: Hassan
- Defenders: Yahya, Sulaka, Tahsin, Ali
- Midfielders: Al-Amari, Rashid, Amin
- Forwards: Yaseem, Ali, Al-Ani
Oman:
- Goalkeeper: Al-Muqaini
- Defenders: Al-Busaidi, Al-Musalami, Al-Khamisi, Al-Shamusi
- Midfielders: Al-Alawi, Al-Saadi, Al-Musharrafi, Al-Yahyai, Al-Sabhi
- Forward: Al-Ghassani
Team Overview and Form
Iraq ("The Lions of Mesopotamia"):
Iraq has a rich football history, with one World Cup appearance in 1986. The team has been on an excellent run of form, winning 4 consecutive matches and securing a perfect record in their group stage during the last round of World Cup qualification. They will look to capitalize on their home advantage, having not lost at home in their last 14 games.
Oman ("Gulf Samba"):
Oman has shown steady improvement in recent years but struggled in the 2024 Asian Cup, failing to advance past the group stage. However, they managed to advance to the final round of World Cup qualification by securing key wins, particularly in tight encounters against Kyrgyzstan and Malaysia. Oman remains an underdog, but their recent unbeaten streak shows resilience.
Head-to-Head Matches
Remarkably, all six of the last encounters between Iraq and Oman have ended in a draw during regular time, showcasing how closely matched these teams have been historically.
Tactical Analysis and Predictions
- Iraq: Iraq will use their home advantage and superior form to press for a win. With Al-Amari and Yaseem in midfield, they will look to control possession and create chances for Ali and Al-Ani up front.
- Oman: Oman will likely adopt a cautious approach, focusing on defensive solidity while relying on counter-attacks through Al-Ghassani. Their midfield, led by Al-Saadi, will need to be organized to withstand Iraq’s pressure.
Betting Prediction
Iraq’s excellent home form and recent performances make them favorites in this matchup. A win for Iraq offers good value, with odds of 1.73.
Prediction: Iraq to win (odds: 1.73).
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