The United Arab Emirates (UAE) drew 1-1 with Iraq in the first leg of their fifth round AFC qualifier for the FIFA World Cup 26 at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium on Thursday.
Iraq took the lead in the opening minutes when Akam Hashim volleyed a deep free-kick back across goal for Ali Al-Hamadi, who fired home from 12 yards.
Pereira header earns UAE draw against Iraq in World Cup qualifier
The UAE responded eight minutes later. A passing move found Abdalla Ramadan on the right, who sent a ball into the box which Luan Pereira headed into the bottom corner.
Iraq dominated possession but could not find a second goal. UAE goalkeeper Khalid Eisa made a save with his left hand to deny Al-Hamadi when the striker was clean through. Eisa then tipped over a header from Mohanad Ali.
After the restart, Eisa saved Marko Farji’s effort, tipping the ball away to his right.
The UAE controlled play in the latter stages and thought they had won the match in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Substitute Caio bundled a free-kick into the net at the back post, but the linesman raised his flag for offside.
The second leg takes place in Basra on Tuesday, FIFA said, adding that the winner will qualify for the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.
