Graham Arnold’s Iraq side claimed a dramatic 3-2 aggregate victory over the United Arab Emirates, securing their spot in the intercontinental World Cup playoffs after a penalty was scored 17 minutes into added time on Tuesday night, according to a report from The Roar.
Graham Arnold is at it again. His Iraq national team secured a dramatic 2-1 home win over the United Arab Emirates, claiming a 3-2 aggregate playoff victory that keeps the country’s 2026 World Cup qualification dream alive, according to a report from The Roar.
The thrilling win took place on Tuesday night in front of a packed-out Basra International Stadium. The decisive moment came 17 minutes into added time when Amir Al-Ammari struck from the penalty spot, sending the Australian coach’s side into the next stage of qualification.
Iraq, who are attempting to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since their debut in 1986, were forced to fight back after going behind.
The United Arab Emirates took the lead in the 52nd minute via an opener from Caio Lucas. Iraq found their equalizer in the 66th minute when substitute Mohanad Ali headed the ball in, following a set piece.
Ali was later involved in earning the decisive penalty after an opponent’s handball in the box, which was confirmed by the pitchside monitor.
Al-Ammari “thumped the spot kick high into the goal as Eisa dived the wrong way to spark wild celebrations in the stands.”
The victory means Iraq will now join five other teams in the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March, where two spots for the finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico are available.
Amid the celebrations, Iraqi fan Ahmed Buthan was quoted at the stadium as saying:
“Thank God we won. We will continue the road to World Cup, I am positive.” Under Arnold, the Australian national team, the Socceroos, had their most successful World Cup campaign in Qatar in 2022.