Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Amman: The United Arab Emirates’ slim hopes of a place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup were ended by a header from Ayman Hussein as Iraq ended signed off their qualification campaign with a 1-0 win at the Amman International Stadium on Tuesday.
While Australia’s 2-1 win over Thailand earlier in the day ruled out any chance of the UAE taking Group B’s remaining automatic place at Russia 2018, the Emirates could still have clinched third place and a play-off spot with a big win over already eliminated Iraq, and a heavy Saudi Arabia defeat to Japan, but their plans were complicated by Hussein's goal in the 29th minute.
The striker rose above his marker and finished off a cross from Waleed Salim to give the Lions of Mesopotamia the lead inside the opening half hour.
The UAE were missing a number of regular starters through suspension and injury, including stars Omar Abdulrahman and Ali Mabkhout, and failed to break down a Iraqi defence that stood firm throughout the match.
Iraq finished fifth in Group B with 11 points, two behind the UAE who are in fourth place.