UAE stay in World Cup race with 2-1 victory over North Korea

Photo : AFP

The United Arab Emirates took a big step toward playing in the World Cup after 36 years with a 2-1 win against North Korea in Riyadh. The game looked like it would end in a draw, but in the 98th minute, Sultan Adil scored with a diving header to give UAE a very important win. This goal stopped North Korea from getting a point and helped UAE move closer to Uzbekistan, who are ahead of them in the race to qualify. Now, UAE is only four points behind.

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UAE started the game strong and scored in just five minutes. Fabio Lima got the ball after a smooth passing move from the left side. His first shot was blocked, but he quickly kicked it again and scored. It looked like UAE would score more goals after this, but they missed many chances. They kept the ball and tried to attack, but they could not get another goal, which gave North Korea hope.

As time passed, North Korea started playing better. UAE did not take their chances, and North Korea took advantage. Just before halftime, in the 43rd minute, North Korea scored from a corner kick. Jong Hwi-Nam’s header hit the crossbar, and Kim Yu-Song bravely jumped forward and kicked the ball into the goal while many UAE players tried to stop him. The first half ended with the score 1-1, and UAE was disappointed after missing so many chances.

In the second half, both teams tried to score but could not find a way through. UAE had more of the ball, but North Korea defended well and made it hard for them to score. The game was coming to an end, and it looked like UAE would not get the win they needed.

Then, in the last few seconds of the match, UAE won a corner. This was their final chance to score. The ball was crossed into the penalty area, and Sultan Adil jumped forward to hit a perfect diving header into the goal. The UAE players and fans celebrated wildly, while North Korean players fell to the ground in disappointment.

This win gives UAE a big hope of reaching the World Cup. They are still behind Uzbekistan, but now they are only four points away. With more games to play, UAE still has a chance to make history and return to the World Cup after a long wait.