Sport | Football
UAE's World Cup hopes suffer setback
The UAE's hopes of reaching the finals of the 2010 World Cup were severely dented as they lost at home to North Korea 2-1 last night at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium, here.
- By Yasir Abbasher, Senior Reporter
- Published: 00:42 September 7, 2008
Abu Dhabi: The UAE's hopes of reaching the finals of the 2010 World Cup were severely dented as they lost at home to North Korea 2-1 last night at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium, here, in the opener of the qualifications of Group B which also features Saudi Arabia, Iran and South Korea.
Following a first half which was totally dominated by the home team, the Koreans started the second pressing for an early goal.
Their efforts were soon rewarded when Basheer Saeed, the home team sweeper, deflected the ball into his net in the seventh minute from a cross by Choe Kum.
The goal frustrated the home players who made many mistakes and An Chol added the second goal in the 79th minute from a grounder from outside the penalty box only for the local fans to desert the stadium and hurl empty water bottles into the field, forcing the authorities to halt the match for five minutes.
Basheer made amends when his fierce shot in the 86th minute was deflected by Ri Kwang into his goal for the consolation goal of the UAE.
The UAE will host Saudi Arabia on Wednesday at the same venue.
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