Look: UAE defeat South Korea to advance to brink of Qatar 2022 World Cup qualification

Victory in Dubai sets up play-off with Australia in June

Published: March 29, 2022 23:14 Matthew Smith, Sport Editor

1 of 10

The UAE recorded a famous 1-0 win over South Korea on Tuesday to advance to a Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying playoff against Australia in June. Image Credit: AFP

2 of 10

The winner of that clash will progress to a winner-takes-all final against a team from South America for a ticket to Qatar. Image Credit: AFP

3 of 10

Harib Abdalla scored in the second half for UAE, who are searching for their second World Cup appearance after their debut at Italia 90. Image Credit: AFP

4 of 10

Heading into the final round of matches, Iran, South Korea, Japan and Saudi Arabia had already clinched the automatic qualification spots. Image Credit: AFP

5 of 10

South Korea, preparing for their 11th appearance, dominated possession but could not find the target despite hitting the woodwork twice and taking 16 corners. Image Credit: AFP

6 of 10

Earlier, Iran defeated Lebanon 2-0 to finish top of Group A ahead of South Korea. Image Credit: AFP

7 of 10

Japan and Vietnam drew 1-1 at Saitama Stadium. Japan reached their seventh straight World Cup by topping Group B with Saudi Arabia in second place. Image Credit: AP

8 of 10

Abdalla, making his first start for the UAE full national senior side - stepping in for suspended goal machine Ali Mabkhout - kept the coolest head on the pitch when it mattered most as he broke free and slotted past Jo Hyeon-Woo in the South Korea goal. Image Credit: AFP

9 of 10

“I am so happy,” Abdalla said. “I want to thank the players, the coach, the administration, and also the fans for the way they supported our team. We deserve these three points and a place in the play-off." Image Credit: AFP

10 of 10

UAE manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena added: “Anyone who knows me from my time at Al Wasl or Shahab Al Ahli knows I always give chances to young players. If they are ready, they have to participate. I don’t care about the age of the player. The main thing for me is the desire, effort and performance of the player.” Image Credit: AFP

Sport Football

Look: UAE defeat South Korea to advance to brink of Qatar 2022 World Cup qualification

More From Sport

Watch: Over 300 UAE volunteers pack relief aid for flood-stricken Brazil

UAE President receives President of World Bank Group

Veteran Emirati poet Rabie bin Yaqut dies at 96

Abu Dhabi labs accomplish world’s first implanting of live cells from camel embryos

GULFNEWS SECTIONS

Trending

Look: UAE defeat South Korea to advance to brink of Qatar 2022 World Cup qualification

More From Sport

Watch: Over 300 UAE volunteers pack relief aid for flood-stricken Brazil

UAE President receives President of World Bank Group

Veteran Emirati poet Rabie bin Yaqut dies at 96

Abu Dhabi labs accomplish world’s first implanting of live cells from camel embryos

GULFNEWS SECTIONS