World Cup qualifiers: UAE secure playoff game against Australia

Iraq out

South Korea shattered Iraq’s small World Cup dream with a 1-0 defeat by the United Arab Emirates. On Tuesday afternoon, the UAE deservedly won against the previously undefeated South Koreans with a goal from Harib Suhail. In the parallel game, the Iraqis had small hopes for third place, but only played 1-1 against bottom-placed Syria.

South Korea, previously one of the few teams in the world still undefeated in the World Cup qualifiers, had already secured their ticket to the World Cup in Qatar in December before the game. Had South Korea won, Iraq would have beaten bottom-placed Syria themselves, needing to come up a few goals to make up for the poor goal difference. However, Syria took an early lead through Alaa Al-Dali (3′) after which Iraq equalized through Aymen Hussein in the 31st minute. Shortly after the restart, the Emirates scored the goal of the day against South Korea through Suhail (54) and buried Iraq’s hopes.

On June 7th, the United Arab Emirates will meet Australia in the playoffs, who on Tuesday evening will meet Saudi Arabia, who have also already qualified for the World Cup. The winner of the match will go up against fifth-placed South America, who have Peru with a matchday to go, in the intercontinental play-offs on 13 or 14 June.

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