United Arab Emirates 1-1 Iraq
United Arab Emirates goal: Pereira (18)
Iraq goal: Al-Hamadi (10)
A thumping Luan Pereira header dragged United Arab Emirates level and ensured it’s all to play for going into the second leg of this fifth round AFC qualifier for the FIFA World Cup 26™.
The home fans whipped up a hothouse atmosphere at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium but were silenced early in the piece as Iraq’s Akam Hashim volleyed a deep free-kick back across goal for Ali Al-Hamadi, who fired home from 12 yards.
That goal sparked the hosts into life and they levelled just eight minutes later. A flowing passing move found Abdalla Ramadan on the right, who sent an inviting ball into the box which Pereira attacked with gusto to power a header into the bottom corner.
Iraq quickly reasserted their dominance but couldn’t find a way beyond Khalid Eisa. He first denied Al-Hamadi with a terrific left-handed save when clean through, before springing into action to tip over a powerful Mohanad Ali header.
UAE’s captain was called into action shortly after the restart, flying to his right to tip away Marko Farji’s curling effort.
The hosts had the better of play from then on, and looked to have won it in the fifth minute of stoppage time when substitute Caio stole in at the back post to bundle a free-kick into the net. Celebrations were quickly stopped by the lineman’s flag, however, with the forward marginally offside.
All eyes now turn to Tuesday when the pair lock horns again in Basra, with the winner qualifying for the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.
