When the United Arab Emirates line up against Iraq on Thursday for the fifth and final round of Asian qualification for next year's World Cup, it is likely that over half of the home starting XI in Abu Dhabi will be foreign-born. The UAE are, however, merely another participant in a naturalisation arms race in the continent that has been boosted by the expansion of the World Cup from 32 teams to 48.
Indonesia, coached by Barcelona legend Patrick Kluivert, took a shock lead in Jeddah through a Kevin Diks penalty. Saudi Arabia levelled through Saleh Abu Al Shamat and Feras Albrikan made no mistake with a penalty of his own. Albrikan got a second and while Diks' second spot-kick of the game gave Indonesia hope, the hosts picked up a vital win.