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.
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The winner of that clash will progress to a winner-takes-all final against a team from South America for a ticket to Qatar.
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Harib Abdalla scored in the second half for UAE, who are searching for their second World Cup appearance after their debut at Italia 90.
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Heading into the final round of matches, Iran, South Korea, Japan and Saudi Arabia had already clinched the automatic qualification spots.
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South Korea, preparing for their 11th appearance, dominated possession but could not find the target despite hitting the woodwork twice and taking 16 corners.
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Earlier, Iran defeated Lebanon 2-0 to finish top of Group A ahead of South Korea.
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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.
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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.
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“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."
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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.”
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