In a night of grit, heart, and debut dreams, Sasa Ivkovic stepped onto the pitch wearing the UAE jersey for the first time—and made an instant impact. The towering defender, making his much-anticipated debut for the UAE national team in a high-stakes World Cup qualifier, showed fans and critics alike exactly why his inclusion was a game-changer.
From the opening whistle, Ivkovic stood like an iron wall, commanding the backline with composure, tactical intelligence, and undeniable presence. Whether it was intercepting dangerous passes, winning aerial duels, or barking instructions to organize his fellow defenders, the debutant played with the authority of a seasoned international. For most of the match, it looked like UAE’s defense, newly fortified by Ivkovic, would hold strong and carry them to a decisive win.
And then came the sting in the tail.
Just as the UAE faithful began tasting victory, Kyrgyzstan snuck in a late equalizer, dampening the mood and ending the match in a dramatic draw. While the final score may not have been what the team hoped for, it was clear to all observers that a new defensive era had arrived for the UAE national side—led by none other than Ivkovic himself.
Pundits were quick to praise his positioning, composure under pressure, and natural chemistry with the team despite being a newcomer. His performance added depth to the squad’s defensive setup and offered hope for the upcoming qualifiers.
Though the draw was bittersweet, Ivkovic’s rock-solid presence has ignited fresh optimism among fans. As the UAE team continues its journey towards World Cup qualification, one thing is certain: with Sasa Ivkovic holding the line, the future looks well-guarded.
