UAE have it all to do against South Korea to keep 2022 World Cup dream alive

The UAE had been provided a huge hand-up, or so it seemed.

Lebanon were beaten by bottom side Syria in Sidon, a shock 3-0 loss that looked to clear the path to the World Cup play-offs.

A draw later Thursday, against Iraq and on neutral territory in Riyadh, would do. Sitting third in Group A on the penultimate match day of the final round of qualification for Qatar 2022, the UAE knew exactly what was required.

Yet Iraq made the most of a severely disjointed and diluted display from their rivals, and breathed life back into their own push for the play-offs instead. Rodolfo Arruabarrena’s debut as manager ended with considerable angst.

As it stands with one round remaining, the UAE stay third, albeit a solitary point ahead of Iraq with one match to go. Unquestionably, it should not have come to this.

On Tuesday, the UAE host top-of-the-table South Korea, already qualified but no doubt beaming following Thursday’s 2-0 triumph against fellow qualifiers Iran in Seoul. Iraq, meanwhile, take on Syria in Dubai with both buoyed by their latest wins, while fifth-placed Lebanon, three points back from the UAE and therefore still mathematically in with a shout, travel to Iran. However, it feels a straight shootout between the UAE and Iraq.

Crucially, Arruabarrena’s new side continue to control their destiny; victory against South Korea at Al Maktoum Stadium would clinch the play-off place and set up a summer assignment with Australia and, should they prevail in that, another with a South American rival for a berth at the global finals later this year. Even a draw, or a defeat on Tuesday, could suffice. But rest assured, it will be fraught and potentially frantic.

UAE midfielder Bandar Al Ahbabi vies for the ball with Iraq's Hussein