UAE keep World Cup dream alive after 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia

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  • Omar Abdulrahman scored a sumptuous equaliser for the hosts.

    The UAE’s long-held dream of making a return to the World Cup continued as a draw with Saudi Arabia heralded their progression into the third round of qualification.

    A showdown to decide whether the Whites would falter during their first steps on the long road to Russia didn’t occur, as early results all-but-guaranteed progression before a ball was kicked.

    But this scenario wasn’t on the minds of the partisan 32,325 fans packed into Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium or their hero, Omar Abdulrahman.

    This result against regional heavyweights and the display of their unmatched playmaker, who provided a fine equaliser, shows a place in the globe’s premier tournament for the first time since 1990 is achievable.

    Al Jazira’s home ground had not been this packed since the days when they raffled off Ferrari sports cars. Yet, it radiated an odd atmosphere at kick-off.

    So much for the second part of a ‘must-win double’ which was to define both coach Mahdi Ali’s tenure and the worth of his ‘golden generation’.

    Hugely-favourable results elsewhere put the Whites 99-per-cent into the next stage before a ball was even kicked. They must hope all their luck hasn’t been used up.

    Oman were on their way to a 2-0 defeat in Iran, with North Korea’s shock 3-2 defeat to Philippines and Jordan’s 5-1 dismantling by Australia earlier on meaning not even a point was required to finish as one of the four-best runners-up from the eight pools.

    Close political and social ties between the two nations – exemplified by the giant tifo of both flags and a handshake – also portrayed a feeling of brotherhood rather than footballing enmity.

    Local pride was the only thing to play for.

    A painful nine years and seven-successive losses for the UAE had followed since Ismail Matar – who was warmly welcomed as a 57th-minute veteran from the bench – slammed in an injury-time winner on the way to Gulf Cup-success on home soil.

    Watched on by Argentina icon and Dubai resident Diego Maradona, the UAE struggled to make an early impact. Maybe their situation made motivation a problem.

    But the first glaring chance fell the hosts’ way. Lively Al Ain winger Mohamed Abdulrahman blocked lumbering centre-back Omar Hawsawi’s clearance, only to disappointingly drag his effort wide when clean through.

    The breakthrough was soon to come at the other end, in eye-catching fashion.

    The AFC’s 14-goal top scorer Mohammad Al Sahlawi turned provider this time for the already-qualified Green Falcons, nodding back for veteran midfielder Taisir Al Jassim to mark his 107th cap with a splendid falling volley.

    By half-time, the visitors were firmly on top. This situation wasn’t to last thanks to a superstar born in their Kingdom.

    Playmaker Omar Abdulrahman left Riyadh for the Emirates as a sublimely-talented teenager from the Yemeni diaspora. He is now beyond compare in the Middle East.

    His preternatural vision sprung brother Mohamed in the 46th minute, only for the winger to drag his effort wide.

    It was left to his celebrated younger sibling to gain parity. Another stupendous ball  found striker Ali Mabkhout, who missed Thursday’s 2-0 win against Palestine with a hamstring problem, a smart cutback allowing the on-rushing ‘Amoory’ to curl into the top corner for his seventh goal in white.

    The leveller added security which wasn’t required, Oman’s 2-0 loss in Iran being confirmed in the 64th minute. Only an unfeasible 11-goal Saudi win would now deny them.

    Further chances came and went, defensive midfielder Khamis Esmail snatching a shot from distance and replacement Hassan Ibrahim heading straight at Al Hilal goalkeeper Khalid Sharahili.

    No matter the lack of a victory, the UAE’s performance deserved credit.

    The Saudis have been transformed since Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk’s August arrival. A powerhouse has been awoken, once again resembling the side which played in all World Cups from 1994-2006.

    They now, undoubtedly, have esteemed company in the region.

    A UAE squad which wowed at the London 2012 Olympics, lifted the 2013 Gulf Cup and finished third at last year’s Asian Cup has its shot at making the game’s grandest tournament for just a second time.

    On this form and with ‘Amoory’ in their ranks, they could make it.

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