Late Al Ghassani goal takes UAE into Asian Cup knockouts despite defeat against Iran

The UAE not much so marched into the Asian Cup knockouts as placed both feet gently across the threshold, but for now, it will matter little how they got there.

In the end, a 2-1 defeat to Iran wasn’t particularly damaging, Paulo Bento’s side having done enough in their opening two matches to scrape through as Group C runners-up – on goal difference.

On Tuesday night at Education City Stadium, their fate was dependent not only on themselves; less than 10 kilometres away in Doha, Palestine were ensuring Emirati nails were bitten to the nub. Playing simultaneously, Palestine were 3-0 up in their final pool match with Hong Kong, and at one point and then another were taking second spot instead.

However, Yayha Al Ghassani atoned for a missed penalty in stunning fashion in the 93rd minute and the UAE were through. The relief was palpable; it was probably transported across the Gulf to their compatriots in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and throughout the neighbouring Emirates.

By the end of it all, it was hard to remember the UAE had required only a point to finish second. Yet the odds felt against them even before the teams were confirmed around an hour prior to kick-off.

Bento’s side went into the game without Khalifa Al Hammadi, their most experienced international defender, who was suspended following a red card against Palestine on Matchday 2 last Thursday.

Sultan Adil, the revelation this tournament with goals in both previous group games, was ruled out with a knee injury. To rub salt in the wound, Bento was made to watch the action from the stands, his own red card from the Palestine encounter preventing him from taking station on the touchline.

There wasn’t even Ali Mabkhout to call upon. The UAE’s all-time leading scorer, Asian