Iraq 0-1 UAE: Second half begins in Basra with everything still to play for

No changes from either side as we head into a huge forty five minutes. Will we see a winner in normal time or are we heading toward extra time and possibly penalties for a place in the inter confederation play off?

The likes of Zidane Iqbal can change the game for Iraq, as he brings real spark. Whether Arnold turns to him at the break is what we now wait to see.

Not many clear chances in the first half but the UAE looked the sharper and more confident side, with an early mix up in the Iraqi defence going unpunished and Bruno almost pouncing, while Iraq struggled to find their flow and never really tested Eissa.

A spell of pressure from the home side at last as we head toward the break. They won a corner that was cleared by the UAE back line but have now earned a free kick in a dangerous position, which was again cleared comfortably by UAE.

A nasty challenge on Ruben Amaral went unpunished. He may have gone for the ball but missed it entirely and caught the man, and we feel that should have been a booking. Ruben Amaral is OK now.

Lucas made a sharp run into the right side of the box but dragged his effort well off target. He looked relieved when the offside flag went up, though the replay showed it was a tight call. He will feel he should have done better with the finish.

The early noise from the stands has dipped as UAE settle into a steady rhythm. They are starting to threaten from the wings and look more confident with each move forward.

UAE have registered four attempts to Iraq’s two, although neither keeper has been seriously tested yet. The visitors are starting to build some momentum and the signs are encouraging.

There is still no real rhythm to the contest so far. Both sides are struggling to put together any sustained passages of play. It's understandable considering the occasion.

With away goals not in play, everything now depends on the second leg. Iraq will back themselves to finish the job in front of their home crowd in Basra, while UAE know they will have to produce their best performance in Iraq to reach the next round of playoffs. If they score is level at 90 mins, the game will go to extra time and penalties if required.

Kouame Autonne has begun with real authority at the back for the UAE. He did not start the first leg but has stepped in with confidence, rising to clear an early cross with a solid header before reacting sharply to shut down Aymen Hussein after a loose ball broke to the striker inside the area.

UAE forward Bruno brought down Doski with a cynical challenge as the Iraqi defender pushed forward from the back. It stopped the move but earned Bruno the first yellow card of the match.

Iraq almost caught UAE out as the corner curled straight toward goal, but Eissa reacted well and pushed it away. It looked like an attempt at an Olympic goal.

Iraq are beginning to find some rhythm. A couple of crosses have been delivered from both flanks but UAE have dealt with them so far.

Iraq tried to play out from the back but Akam and Jalal have an error of miscommunication in their box. Bruno reacted fast and closed down the loose ball, but it rolled wide before he could punish the mistake. He appealed for a penalty as he went down, but the referee waved it away. Moments earlier UAE had already threatened with a header from a right sided cross, so the visitors are starting to find openings.

Both sides are feeling their way into the contest with a couple of early fouls breaking up the rhythm.

A massive night begins. The atmosphere is electric and the stakes could not be higher. Iraq and the UAE are under way in this decisive play off clash.