The UAE lost 1-0 to Iraq in the ninth match of Group A of the 2022 Qatar World Cup Asian finals held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the 25th (Korean time).
The UAE missed a chance to make it to the playoffs. The UAE, which was in third place with 2 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses (9 points) before the match, was able to secure 3rd place after a draw with Iraq as Lebanon (6 points) lost to Syria (5 points).
Although the UAE showed disappointment throughout the final qualifier, Iraq did not win a single match, and even their home match was played neutrally in Saudi Arabia, which made the UAE laugh in many ways. The UAE, however, conceded the winning goal to Hussein Ali in the 8th minute of the second half, and they played an all-out effort, but were unable to score an equalizer until the end.
In the end, the UAE, tied with 9 points, failed to secure 3rd place, and Iraq (8 points), which succeeded in the first victory, jumped to 4th place. The playoff fight continues until the final game.
The UAE’s last opponent is Korea. Regardless of whether or not they advance to the World Cup finals, Korea is accelerating with the goal of placing first in the group. Korea, which defeated their rival Iran 2-0, is determined to win every away match against the UAE. Moreover, Korea has an overwhelming advantage against the UAE with 13 wins, 5 draws and 2 losses. The UAE, which has been in third place, could be eliminated in the last two matches.
Iraq, on the other hand, faces the bottom-ranked Syria. Although Syria showed a formidable appearance in capturing Lebanon, it is more comfortable than the UAE, which will face Korea. If the UAE loses to Korea and Iraq captures Syria, Iraq will take the third-place ticket.
Photo = Korea Football Association.
