Iraq beat UAE 2-1 with a stoppage-time penalty, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory to advance in World Cup qualifying.
BASRA: Iraq scored a dramatic penalty 17 minutes into stoppage time to claim a 2-1 home win over the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday.
The victory gave Iraq a 3-2 aggregate playoff win that keeps their World Cup qualification hopes alive.
Amir Al-Ammari converted the decisive spot-kick in front of a packed Basra International Stadium crowd.
The late winner sent Graham Arnold’s side into March’s intercontinental playoffs.
Iraq had equalised through substitute Mohanad Ali’s 66th-minute header after trailing to Caio Lucas’ 52nd-minute opener.
The Iraqis are attempting to qualify for their first World Cup since their 1986 debut appearance.
They will now join five other teams in playoffs with two finals spots available.
The match featured few clear chances until Lucas broke the deadlock after Yahia Nader’s midfield run.
The Emiratis nearly doubled their lead when Nicolas Gimenez’s volley struck the crossbar two minutes later.
Iraq struggled for much of the game but equalised from a set piece.
Al-Ammari’s free kick found Ali, whose header deflected off Nader past goalkeeper Khalid Eisa.
The decisive penalty came when Ali’s header struck Nader’s arm, with referee Yusuke Araki confirming the decision via pitchside monitor.
Al-Ammari blasted his penalty high into the net as Eisa dove the wrong way, sparking wild celebrations. – Reuters
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