UAE out of FIFA World Cup race

KARIM JAAFAR/ AFP

The UAE's hopes of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar ended after losing to Australia in a must-win play-off encounter on Tuesday.

The match in Doha ended 2-1 with Australia scoring the winner in the 84th minute.

Jackson Irvine gave the Socceroos the lead with a close-range finish in the 53rd minute but Caio Canedo levelled four minutes later with a stunning strike.

The match was settled late in the second half when Ajdin Hrustic volleyed Aaron Mooy's corner towards goal and the deflection off UAE midfielder Ali Salmeen proved decisive.

Australia will take on Peru next week for a place at November's World Cup finals.

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