The Australian coach Graham Arnold, head coach of the Iraqi national team, stated in the press conference before the match that his team does not have the advantage over the UAE despite the match being played on a nearly neutral ground.

Arnold said: "Tomorrow's match will certainly be difficult, as the opposing team is organized and has outstanding players who can make a difference and decide the outcome. Playing in the UAE did not give us an advantage, and we treat each match individually."

Arnold pointed out that the current focus is on the mental and physical aspects of the players to ensure full readiness, emphasizing that the selection of the lineup will not depend on the players' presence in the region or their previous experience, but rather on the player's mental and physical readiness for tomorrow's match.

He added: "I have studied the UAE team for three weeks, both at the team level and at the player level. We have reached this playoff for the first time in Iraq's history, and the journey is not over yet. The Iraqi fans should renew their trust in the players and give them the motivation to continue the journey."