© Getty Images Diego Maradona believes United Arab Emirates can outrank Australia in their FIFA World Cup Russia™ qualifying pool, but that finishing above Saudi Arabia will be an uphill challenge. The UAE are fourth in Group B, behind the Aussies on goal difference and leaders Saudi Arabia and Japan by a point. The top two reach Russia 2018 automatically, while the third-placed team must navigate two playoffs to reach the tournament.
“It’s very difficult because the key result was the 1-0 defeat to Australia in Abu Dhabi, when Tim Cahill scored,” Maradona, who lives in Dubai, told Sport360. “Australia won with a goal that, in my opinion, was a big mistake.
“Ok, Cahill is an experienced player, but if I’m Mohanad Salem, and you come and push me, I push you harder. Salem is one of the best Emirati central defenders, but he had to break Cahill in that play. And I’m not speaking about with violence, but with the kind of strong body he has, he had to send Cahill outside the pitch. Cahill ..
Read More
