Fun fact: in the UAE starting lineup there were two (!!!) Emiratis on the field, Yahya Nader and Khaled Eisa, who had a real connection to the UAE. All other players sooner or later moved to the Emirati league and were then naturalized. The squad for the two playoffs against Iraq included seven Brazilians, two Argentines, a Ghanaian, an Ivorian, a Tunisian and a Moroccan. Thirteen (!!!) players were naturalized. It’s okay because it’s legal. But given the amount, it’s no longer funny.
Next time just naturalize 20 Brazilians, 15 Argentines and the referee, then maybe it will work. The UAE wanted to force participation in the World Cup and Iraq prevented such crap from being rewarded. Thanks alot! I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the intercontinental playoffs!