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| UAE 1990 World Cup |
Please also see my All-Time World Cup Team Index.
This is all-time team for West Asia(excluding Iran and Saudi Arabia). I have created all-time teams for both nations and an all inclusive team for West Asia. Basically, I want to look deeper into the talented pools from the region. Three national teams from this region have qualified for the World Cup Finals: Kuwait 1982, Iraq 1986 and UAE 1990. Qatar will host the World Cup Finals in 2022.
Unfortunately, none of the them fared well at the World Cup Finals. Kuwait was better known for the incident against France in 1982. A goal scored by the French was disallowed after the intervention of Sheikh Fahad Al Ahmed when he walked down to the pitch to speak to the fourth official. UAE's World Cup Finals was remembered for conceding eleven goals. Iraq lost all three of their games in the tournament by just one goal, and would have drawn the opening game against Paraguay had the referee not disallowed a legitimate Iraqi goal.
I have also looked at East Asia, Central Asia, South East Asia(ASEAN).
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| Kuwait World Cup 1982 |
Team
GK: Ali Al-Habsi (Oman)
Ali Al-Habsi was one of the few players from the Arabian Peninsula who made it in Europe, especially he is a goalkeeper. He played over 100 games in the English league. At the time of writing, he plays for Al-Hilal FC in Saudi Arabia. He has played for Bolten Wanderers, Wigan, Reading and Lyn Oslo. He was Wigan Athletic Player of the Year in 2011. He has been a member of the national team since he was 17 years old. He had over 110 caps for Oman. He won the Arab Gulf Cup in 2009. He was Arab Goalkeeper of the Year: 2004.
GK: Ahmed Al-Tarabulsi (Kuwait)
Al-Tarabulsi is originally from Lebanon, but was granted Kuwaiti citizenship to play for Kuwait's national team. He also played for Kuwait at the 1980 Summer Olympics and the 1982 World Cup Finals. Besides playing football, he is also good in Quran recitation and won first place in International Quran Recital Competition 1986 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
GK: Muhsin Musabah (UAE)
Mushin Musabah played in all of his country's games in qualifying for the 1990 FIFA World Cup, in which UAE qualified for their first ever World Cup Finals. He started all three games in the Finals in Italy. He was also an important player for his country's run to the final of the 1996 AFC Asian Cup. He had over 100 caps. In his club career, he played for Sharjah in UAE.
RB: Osama Hussain (Kuwait)
Osama Hussain joined Al Arabi in 1984, first he played in Al Arabi U14. After that when he grow up and reach 16 years he was able to play for Al Arabi first team. In 1990, Luiz Felipe Scolari choose him to Kuwait national football team when he was 20. he played in The Gulf Cup, AFC Asian Cup,Olympic Games and the Asian Games. He played 95 matches with Kuwait.
RB: Khalil Allawi (Iraq)
Between 1981 and 2001, Khalil Allawi represented Iraq over 80 times. Along with his brother Karim Mohammed Allawi, he participated in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. He scored several goals during the World Cup Qualifiers. He also played in the 1984 Summer Olympics. He also played for Amanat Baghdad, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, Al-Rasheed Club, etc in Iraq.
CB: Marcone (Qatar)
Born in Brazil, Marcone became a naturalised player for Qatar. He was the captain of Qatar team at 2010 Asian Games as one of the three overage players. He started his career with Vitoria in Brazil. In 1998, he signed with Venezia in Italy, but never appeared a game due to the fact the club had too many non-EU players. He was on loan to AC Bellinzona in Switzerland. In July 2004, he went to play in Qatari. He played Al-Shamal, Al-Gharafa and El Jaish SC. He started to represent Qatar in 2008.
CB: Adnan Dirjal (Iraq)
Adnan Dirjal was one of Iraq's most famous players. He missed the 1986 World Cup Finals because of an injury, but he represented Iraq in three Olympics: 1980, 1984, 1988. He played with Al-Zawraa and Al-Talaba. His most successful club spell came at Al-Rasheed, the club owned by Saddam Hussein's eldest son Uday, where he captained the club to three Iraqi league titles, two cups and a record three Arab Club Championships during the mid to late 80s.
CB: Rahim Karim Bdaiwi (Iraq)
Rahim Karim is one of the best defenders Iraq has ever produced. He started his career with Al-Minaa in 1965. After making his debut for Iraq in 1969, Rahim became an important part of the national team and went on to play in 1972 and 1976 Asian Cup. He was also part of Iraq’s first ever World Cup qualification campaign in 1973.
CB: Adel Khamis (Qatar)
Khamis started his career with Al Gharafa in 1983, when the team was in the Qatari Second Division. He made his debut for the Qatar national team in 1984 when he was just 18 years old. He was the first Qatari footballer to play abroad, appearing for Kuwait's Qadsia from 1997 to 1998. He is the second-most capped player for Qatar with 110 caps.
LB: Bassim Abbas (Iraq)
Bassim Abbas helped Iraq to qualify for the World Youth Cup in 2000. He had over 90 caps for the Iraq senior national team. He was best remembered as a part of the Iraqi national team that won the 2017 Asian Cup. Iraq was the "cinderella" team of the tournament, where Iraq was a war-torn country during the Second Gulf War. He also won the West Asian Football Federation Championship in 2002. For his club career, he played in Iraq, Lebanon, Qatar and Turkey.
LB: Gilbert Sami (Iraq)
He played from 1955-1958 for the Assyrian Sports Club in Baghdad as a left full back and centre half. He joined Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in 1958. From 1960-1963 he represented Montakhab Al-Shurta (Police XI) and then went onto play for Aliyat Al-Shurta until 1973. With the Police teams, Gilbeert won the Iraqi Division One on five occasions, and lifted the Kas Jumhouriya (Republics Cup) twice.
DM: Ali Rehema (Iraq)
Ali Rehema played every minute of Iraq's title-winning campaign at the 2007 AFC Asian Cup. After plying his trade with Al Talaba, Al Quwa Al Jawiya and Arbil FC, Rehema earned his first international move when he joined Libyan club Al-Ahly in 2007. After spending a season with the club, he joined Al Wakra, where he continues to play to this day.
CM: Nashat Akram (Iraq)
Nashat Akram won the 2007 Asian Cup with the Iraqi national team, winning the man of the match award in the final and being voted for the Team of the Tournament as well as finishing in third place in the AFC Footballer of the Year award in 2007. He represented Iraq at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, where Iraq finished 4th. At club level, he played for Al-Shorta, Al-Shabab, Dalian Yifang, Al-Gharafa and Dutch club FC Twente. He was Iraqi Player of the Year in 2006 and 2008.
CM: Nasir Khamees (UAE)
Nasir Khamees went to the 1990 World Cup Finals along with his brother Fahd Khamees who was the captain of the team. He was known for his career with Al Wasl FC Club in Dubai, winning six league championships and the 86th President Cup. He was known as one of UAE's greatest player.
CM: Ismail Matar (UAE)
Ismail Matar was awarded the Golden Ball at the 2003 World Youth Championships after being voted the tournament's best player. He also led the UAE to their first ever trophy, the 2007 Arabian Gulf Cup. Matar scored 5 goals in 5 games, and was named player of the tournament and the top scorer. He spent most of his career with Al Wahda FC at home.
AM: Omar Abdulrahman (UAE)
Since 2011, Omar Abdulrahman is a key player for UAE. He helped UAE to finish third at the 2015 Asian Cup and won the Arabian Gulf Cup in 2013. He was the winner of Asian Footballer of the Year in 2016. Fromm2008 to 2018, he has only played for Al Ain FC. He helped them to reach the Final of 2016 Champions' League Final. He was the MVP of the tournament. In August, 2018, he was sent on loan to Saudi club Al-Hilal FC.
AM/RW/LW: Khalfan Ibrahim (Qatar)
Khalfan Ibrahim was named the Asian Player of the Year in 2006, becoming the first Qatari to win the title. He played for Al Arabi at youth level before moving to Al Sadd in 2004 on a professional contract. He is sometimes dubbed as the "Maradona of Qatar" and is also nicknamed "Khalfaninho" by his supporters in reference to Ronaldinho.
AM/CM: Youra Eshaya (Iraq)
Youra Eshaya's family moved to Baghdad to live at the Royal Air Force Station Hinaidi in 1935, where he played in the RAF Football League in Habbaniya. In 1954, he went to play for for Bristol Rovers, becoming the first Iraqi toplay in England. He returned home after his second season. He went on to play 75 times for the Iraqi national side including a number of games during the 1960 Olympic games.
FW: Ammo Baba (Iraq)
Ammo Baba scored the first international goal for Iraq in 1957 Pan Arab Games. After brilliant scoring record for both Iraq and Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, he was offered a contract by Notts County to play for them, but he could not leave the country, due to a sudden coup led by the Iraqi General Abdul-Karim Qasim on July 14, 1958.
FW: Adnan Khamis Al-Taliyani (UAE)
Adnan Khamis Al-Taliyani was born in UAE in 1964. He played his entire career with his hometown team Al-Shaab between 1980 to 1999. He was capped 161 times for UAE between 1983 and 1997. He is the all-time appearance leader for UAE, the top 10 cap leader in the world. He scored his first goal for UAE in 1984 against Kuwait. He went to the 1990 World Cup Finals in Italy. He was named UAE Player of the Century.
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| Ali Al-Habsi |
Al-Tarabulsi is originally from Lebanon, but was granted Kuwaiti citizenship to play for Kuwait's national team. He also played for Kuwait at the 1980 Summer Olympics and the 1982 World Cup Finals. Besides playing football, he is also good in Quran recitation and won first place in International Quran Recital Competition 1986 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
GK: Muhsin Musabah (UAE)
Mushin Musabah played in all of his country's games in qualifying for the 1990 FIFA World Cup, in which UAE qualified for their first ever World Cup Finals. He started all three games in the Finals in Italy. He was also an important player for his country's run to the final of the 1996 AFC Asian Cup. He had over 100 caps. In his club career, he played for Sharjah in UAE.
RB: Osama Hussain (Kuwait)
Osama Hussain joined Al Arabi in 1984, first he played in Al Arabi U14. After that when he grow up and reach 16 years he was able to play for Al Arabi first team. In 1990, Luiz Felipe Scolari choose him to Kuwait national football team when he was 20. he played in The Gulf Cup, AFC Asian Cup,Olympic Games and the Asian Games. He played 95 matches with Kuwait.
RB: Khalil Allawi (Iraq)
Between 1981 and 2001, Khalil Allawi represented Iraq over 80 times. Along with his brother Karim Mohammed Allawi, he participated in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. He scored several goals during the World Cup Qualifiers. He also played in the 1984 Summer Olympics. He also played for Amanat Baghdad, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, Al-Rasheed Club, etc in Iraq.
CB: Marcone (Qatar)
Born in Brazil, Marcone became a naturalised player for Qatar. He was the captain of Qatar team at 2010 Asian Games as one of the three overage players. He started his career with Vitoria in Brazil. In 1998, he signed with Venezia in Italy, but never appeared a game due to the fact the club had too many non-EU players. He was on loan to AC Bellinzona in Switzerland. In July 2004, he went to play in Qatari. He played Al-Shamal, Al-Gharafa and El Jaish SC. He started to represent Qatar in 2008.
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| Marcone |
Adnan Dirjal was one of Iraq's most famous players. He missed the 1986 World Cup Finals because of an injury, but he represented Iraq in three Olympics: 1980, 1984, 1988. He played with Al-Zawraa and Al-Talaba. His most successful club spell came at Al-Rasheed, the club owned by Saddam Hussein's eldest son Uday, where he captained the club to three Iraqi league titles, two cups and a record three Arab Club Championships during the mid to late 80s.
CB: Rahim Karim Bdaiwi (Iraq)
Rahim Karim is one of the best defenders Iraq has ever produced. He started his career with Al-Minaa in 1965. After making his debut for Iraq in 1969, Rahim became an important part of the national team and went on to play in 1972 and 1976 Asian Cup. He was also part of Iraq’s first ever World Cup qualification campaign in 1973.
CB: Adel Khamis (Qatar)
Khamis started his career with Al Gharafa in 1983, when the team was in the Qatari Second Division. He made his debut for the Qatar national team in 1984 when he was just 18 years old. He was the first Qatari footballer to play abroad, appearing for Kuwait's Qadsia from 1997 to 1998. He is the second-most capped player for Qatar with 110 caps.
LB: Bassim Abbas (Iraq)
Bassim Abbas helped Iraq to qualify for the World Youth Cup in 2000. He had over 90 caps for the Iraq senior national team. He was best remembered as a part of the Iraqi national team that won the 2017 Asian Cup. Iraq was the "cinderella" team of the tournament, where Iraq was a war-torn country during the Second Gulf War. He also won the West Asian Football Federation Championship in 2002. For his club career, he played in Iraq, Lebanon, Qatar and Turkey.
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| Bassim Abbas |
He played from 1955-1958 for the Assyrian Sports Club in Baghdad as a left full back and centre half. He joined Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in 1958. From 1960-1963 he represented Montakhab Al-Shurta (Police XI) and then went onto play for Aliyat Al-Shurta until 1973. With the Police teams, Gilbeert won the Iraqi Division One on five occasions, and lifted the Kas Jumhouriya (Republics Cup) twice.
DM: Ali Rehema (Iraq)
Ali Rehema played every minute of Iraq's title-winning campaign at the 2007 AFC Asian Cup. After plying his trade with Al Talaba, Al Quwa Al Jawiya and Arbil FC, Rehema earned his first international move when he joined Libyan club Al-Ahly in 2007. After spending a season with the club, he joined Al Wakra, where he continues to play to this day.
CM: Nashat Akram (Iraq)
Nashat Akram won the 2007 Asian Cup with the Iraqi national team, winning the man of the match award in the final and being voted for the Team of the Tournament as well as finishing in third place in the AFC Footballer of the Year award in 2007. He represented Iraq at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, where Iraq finished 4th. At club level, he played for Al-Shorta, Al-Shabab, Dalian Yifang, Al-Gharafa and Dutch club FC Twente. He was Iraqi Player of the Year in 2006 and 2008.
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| Nashat Akram |
Nasir Khamees went to the 1990 World Cup Finals along with his brother Fahd Khamees who was the captain of the team. He was known for his career with Al Wasl FC Club in Dubai, winning six league championships and the 86th President Cup. He was known as one of UAE's greatest player.
CM: Ismail Matar (UAE)
Ismail Matar was awarded the Golden Ball at the 2003 World Youth Championships after being voted the tournament's best player. He also led the UAE to their first ever trophy, the 2007 Arabian Gulf Cup. Matar scored 5 goals in 5 games, and was named player of the tournament and the top scorer. He spent most of his career with Al Wahda FC at home.
AM: Omar Abdulrahman (UAE)
Since 2011, Omar Abdulrahman is a key player for UAE. He helped UAE to finish third at the 2015 Asian Cup and won the Arabian Gulf Cup in 2013. He was the winner of Asian Footballer of the Year in 2016. Fromm2008 to 2018, he has only played for Al Ain FC. He helped them to reach the Final of 2016 Champions' League Final. He was the MVP of the tournament. In August, 2018, he was sent on loan to Saudi club Al-Hilal FC.
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| Omar Abdulrahman |
Khalfan Ibrahim was named the Asian Player of the Year in 2006, becoming the first Qatari to win the title. He played for Al Arabi at youth level before moving to Al Sadd in 2004 on a professional contract. He is sometimes dubbed as the "Maradona of Qatar" and is also nicknamed "Khalfaninho" by his supporters in reference to Ronaldinho.
AM/CM: Youra Eshaya (Iraq)
Youra Eshaya's family moved to Baghdad to live at the Royal Air Force Station Hinaidi in 1935, where he played in the RAF Football League in Habbaniya. In 1954, he went to play for for Bristol Rovers, becoming the first Iraqi toplay in England. He returned home after his second season. He went on to play 75 times for the Iraqi national side including a number of games during the 1960 Olympic games.
FW: Ammo Baba (Iraq)
Ammo Baba scored the first international goal for Iraq in 1957 Pan Arab Games. After brilliant scoring record for both Iraq and Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, he was offered a contract by Notts County to play for them, but he could not leave the country, due to a sudden coup led by the Iraqi General Abdul-Karim Qasim on July 14, 1958.
FW: Adnan Khamis Al-Taliyani (UAE)
Adnan Khamis Al-Taliyani was born in UAE in 1964. He played his entire career with his hometown team Al-Shaab between 1980 to 1999. He was capped 161 times for UAE between 1983 and 1997. He is the all-time appearance leader for UAE, the top 10 cap leader in the world. He scored his first goal for UAE in 1984 against Kuwait. He went to the 1990 World Cup Finals in Italy. He was named UAE Player of the Century.
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| Adnan Khamis Al-Taliyani |
FW: Ahmed Radhi (Iraq)
Ahmed Radhi was largely recognised as Iraqi's greatest players. He was the Asian Player of the Year in 1988. With Iraq, he played 121 matches between 1982 and 1997. He won 2 Arab Cups, 1 Pan-Arab Games and an Arabian Gulf Cup. He also represented Iraq in 1986 World Cup Finals in Mexico and the Summer Olympics in 1988. He also scored Iraq's only goal at the World Cup Finals in a first round match against Belgium in 1986. He played for Al-Rasheedm in Iraq.
ST: Jassem Yaqoub (Kuwait)
Jasem Yaqoub was widely considered to be Kuwait's greatest player. From 1972 to 1982, he represented Kuwiat at the Golden period of the national team. He won the Arabian Gulf Cup in 1972, 1974, 1976 and 1982. He went to the 1980 Summer Olympics and the 1982 World Cup Finals in Spain. He also won the Asian Cup in the 1980. He played his entire career with Qadsia SC, win ng the Kuwaiti league in 1968-69, 1970-71, 1972-73, 1974-75, 1975-76 and 1977-78 season.
ST: Hussein Saeed (Iraq)
Hussein Saeed was considered to be Iraq's greatest player. He was their all-time leading scorer and cap record holder. He led Iraq to the World Cup Finals in 1986, Iraq's first ever World Cup Finals. He also won two Gulf Cups in 1979 and 1984. He also won the MVP award in 1984. He also won a Gold Medal in the 1982 Asian Games. In 1975, he joined Al-Talaba where he spent all 14 years of his career, achieving three league titles and getting the top goalscorer of the league award in three seasons.
Honorable Mention
Hamdan Al-Kamali (UAE), Fahad Khamees (UAE), Zohair Bakhit (UAE), Abdulrahim Jumaa (UAE), Younis Mahmoud (Iraq), Faisal Al-Dakhil (Kuwait), Bashar Abdullah (Kuwait), Yusif Dokhi (Kuwait), Fathi Kameel (Kuwait), Wael Sulaiman (Kuwait), Jassem Al-Houwaidi (Kuwait), Faisal Ibrahim (Jordan), Bader Al-Mutawa (Kuwait), Amer Deeb (Jordan), Amer Shafi (Jordan), Abdullah Abu Zama (Jordan), Jamal Abu Abed (Jordan), Abdelkarim Hassan (Qatar) Akram Afif (Qatar), Mansour Muftah (Qatar), Sebastián Soria (Qatar), Mubarak Aber (Qatar), Adel Khamis (Qatar), Meshal Mubarak (Qatar), Musaed Neda (Kuwait), Ahmed Salmeen (Bahrain), A'ala Hubail (Bahrain), Omar Kharbin (Syria), Abdullah Omar (Bahrain).
Squad Explanation
-- It i difficult to compare players from different countries. I did my best to include the best from the region.
-- All of the players were from the Persian Gulf States. Players from Syria and Jordan only made Honorable Mention.
-- Ali Al-Habsi was one of the few players from the Arabian Peninsula who made it in Europe, especially he is a goalkeeper.
-- It is difficult to research on defenders. I am not sure if Adel Khamis (Qatar) was a centerback.
-- Dhurgham Ismail (Iraq) is one of the few Gulf State players to play in a UEFA league. However, he is too young to be considered an all-timer. Hamdan Al-Kamali (UAE) also played in France.
-- Youra Eshaya was one of the first from the region to play in Europe. I gave him credit for it. Ammo Baba also signed to play for England, but could not go.
-- Marcone had played in the Brazilian league, where almost no other players from the region has achieved. Of course, he is Brazilian so it actually was not so impressive that he played in Brazil. In the end, I still selected him became he represented Bahrain, making him eligible for this team. His birthplace should not be a matter. In 2020, I did an update. I put Abdelkarim Hassan and Akram Afif on honorable mention.
-- I am not sure about Abdullah Omar of Bahrain. He had a career in Europe, which is rare for players from this region. I put him as honorable mention. Omar Abdulrahman(UAE) is the Asian player of the Year in 2016.
-- Leftback Omar Kharbin (Syria) is still very young. He led Syria to a dramatic run in the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers. I put him on honorable mention.
-- Faisal Al-Dakhil (Kuwait) is the last player dropped. I selected Ammo Baba over him. Baba could have became the first player from the Arab Gulf to play in Europe.
-- Amer Deeb sometimes listed as Jordan's greatest player.
-- Ahmed Radhi was largely recognised as Iraqi's greatest players. I gave him credit for leading Iraq to a World Cup Finals. Adnan Dirjal and Khalil Allawi were also on that World Cup team.
-- Jassem Yaqoub (Kuwait) was also considered to be Kuwait's greatest players. He also led his country to a World Cup Finals.
-- UAE qualified for the 1990 World Cup Finals, but I only took Nasir Khamees, His brother Fahad Khamees (UAE) was the captain of UAE at Italia 1990, but I only put him on honorable mention.
-- Iraq's winning of the 2007 Asian Cup was surprising and inspiring. I honored Nashat Akram with a spot on the team.
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| Ahmed Radhi |
ST: Jassem Yaqoub (Kuwait)
Jasem Yaqoub was widely considered to be Kuwait's greatest player. From 1972 to 1982, he represented Kuwiat at the Golden period of the national team. He won the Arabian Gulf Cup in 1972, 1974, 1976 and 1982. He went to the 1980 Summer Olympics and the 1982 World Cup Finals in Spain. He also won the Asian Cup in the 1980. He played his entire career with Qadsia SC, win ng the Kuwaiti league in 1968-69, 1970-71, 1972-73, 1974-75, 1975-76 and 1977-78 season.
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| Jassem Yacoub |
Hussein Saeed was considered to be Iraq's greatest player. He was their all-time leading scorer and cap record holder. He led Iraq to the World Cup Finals in 1986, Iraq's first ever World Cup Finals. He also won two Gulf Cups in 1979 and 1984. He also won the MVP award in 1984. He also won a Gold Medal in the 1982 Asian Games. In 1975, he joined Al-Talaba where he spent all 14 years of his career, achieving three league titles and getting the top goalscorer of the league award in three seasons.
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| Hussein Saeed |
Honorable Mention
Hamdan Al-Kamali (UAE), Fahad Khamees (UAE), Zohair Bakhit (UAE), Abdulrahim Jumaa (UAE), Younis Mahmoud (Iraq), Faisal Al-Dakhil (Kuwait), Bashar Abdullah (Kuwait), Yusif Dokhi (Kuwait), Fathi Kameel (Kuwait), Wael Sulaiman (Kuwait), Jassem Al-Houwaidi (Kuwait), Faisal Ibrahim (Jordan), Bader Al-Mutawa (Kuwait), Amer Deeb (Jordan), Amer Shafi (Jordan), Abdullah Abu Zama (Jordan), Jamal Abu Abed (Jordan), Abdelkarim Hassan (Qatar) Akram Afif (Qatar), Mansour Muftah (Qatar), Sebastián Soria (Qatar), Mubarak Aber (Qatar), Adel Khamis (Qatar), Meshal Mubarak (Qatar), Musaed Neda (Kuwait), Ahmed Salmeen (Bahrain), A'ala Hubail (Bahrain), Omar Kharbin (Syria), Abdullah Omar (Bahrain).
Squad Explanation
-- It i difficult to compare players from different countries. I did my best to include the best from the region.
-- All of the players were from the Persian Gulf States. Players from Syria and Jordan only made Honorable Mention.
-- Ali Al-Habsi was one of the few players from the Arabian Peninsula who made it in Europe, especially he is a goalkeeper.
-- It is difficult to research on defenders. I am not sure if Adel Khamis (Qatar) was a centerback.
-- Dhurgham Ismail (Iraq) is one of the few Gulf State players to play in a UEFA league. However, he is too young to be considered an all-timer. Hamdan Al-Kamali (UAE) also played in France.
-- Youra Eshaya was one of the first from the region to play in Europe. I gave him credit for it. Ammo Baba also signed to play for England, but could not go.
-- Marcone had played in the Brazilian league, where almost no other players from the region has achieved. Of course, he is Brazilian so it actually was not so impressive that he played in Brazil. In the end, I still selected him became he represented Bahrain, making him eligible for this team. His birthplace should not be a matter. In 2020, I did an update. I put Abdelkarim Hassan and Akram Afif on honorable mention.
-- I am not sure about Abdullah Omar of Bahrain. He had a career in Europe, which is rare for players from this region. I put him as honorable mention. Omar Abdulrahman(UAE) is the Asian player of the Year in 2016.
-- Leftback Omar Kharbin (Syria) is still very young. He led Syria to a dramatic run in the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers. I put him on honorable mention.
-- Faisal Al-Dakhil (Kuwait) is the last player dropped. I selected Ammo Baba over him. Baba could have became the first player from the Arab Gulf to play in Europe.
-- Amer Deeb sometimes listed as Jordan's greatest player.
-- Ahmed Radhi was largely recognised as Iraqi's greatest players. I gave him credit for leading Iraq to a World Cup Finals. Adnan Dirjal and Khalil Allawi were also on that World Cup team.
-- Jassem Yaqoub (Kuwait) was also considered to be Kuwait's greatest players. He also led his country to a World Cup Finals.
-- UAE qualified for the 1990 World Cup Finals, but I only took Nasir Khamees, His brother Fahad Khamees (UAE) was the captain of UAE at Italia 1990, but I only put him on honorable mention.
-- Iraq's winning of the 2007 Asian Cup was surprising and inspiring. I honored Nashat Akram with a spot on the team.
-- Bader Al-Mutawa has earned over 180 caps, the second highest in the world. Amer Shafi of Jordan also earned 176 caps. They made honorable mention.
Formation
Formation
