Doha, June 8 (BNA) Australia will play Peru next week for a place in the World Cup finals in November after beating the United Arab Emirates 2-1 in the Asian final elimination for Qatar 2022.
Defender Ali Salmin saved Agden Hrocic’s shot against Khaled Issa 6 minutes before the end of the match at Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan to keep Australia’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup for the fifth time in a row, Reuters reported.
Jackson Irvine put Graham Arnold’s team ahead with a close shot in the 53rd minute, but Cayo Canedo equalized four minutes later with a powerful shot past Matthew Ryan.
The Australians increased the pressure throughout the second half and paid off at the end when Hrocic fired home after Aaron Mooy’s corner kick and Salmin’s deflecting proved decisive.
“We showed good character and I think we controlled the majority of the match and took our chances when they came,” said Australian Martin Boyle.
“It’s just a job that’s half done. We have to dust ourselves off, get ready and we’ll be back again.”
Harib Abdullah Sohail had carried the main threat to the left on the Emirati side who had better than initial exchanges, forcing Ryan to tackle twice at his close position in the first tepid 45 minutes.
But eight minutes into the second half, the Australians fired in, with Boyle turning his defense before finding Irvine, who scored for the first time from inside the six-yard area.
The lead lasted for four minutes as Sohail’s pace proved problematic once again. Shabab Al-Ahly winger curled a cross and Caio eventually led a left-footed shot into the roof of the net.
Craig Goodwin and Hrustek made efforts that flew over target before Boyle saw the ball bounce off his legs and swerve away as the Australians increased the pressure.
Issa kept the Emirates in the match with Grizzi blocking substitute Jimmy McClaren 10 minutes from the end, but there was little he could do after four minutes.
Mooy’s corner kick was directed back towards the edge of the penalty area and Hrustic made a solid contact, the ball deflecting decisively off an unharmed hip to leave Issa incapacitated.
Sokeros will meet Peru at the same venue next Monday in the first two intercontinental matches to determine the remaining spots in the finals, and New Zealand will play Costa Rica in the final elimination after 24 hours.