96’ VAR rules out last-minute winner! ｜ United Arab Emirates - Iraq ｜ Highlights #AsianQualifiers

The chance to be Asia's final representative in the FIFA World Cup 2026 has come down to this two-legged playoff between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq. The first leg is in Abu Dhabi, a high-stakes clash at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium. Iraq free kick. It'll be a left-footed delivery into the penalty area. It's floated into the box and headed away to the far side of the area and sent back across into the middle and tapped away for the opening. Hamadi beats Khalid Aissa, an Iraq strike first away from home. They missed out on the last stage on a number of goals scored and it will do Graham Arnold's team the world of good to get on the scoreboard early. UAE now working out to the right-hand side. There's a bit of room over there too for Abdallah Ramadan. Sends in a lovely delivery and the header's just as good. UAE back on level terms already. That Iraq lead lasted not even eight minutes. Before Luangino's bullet header found the bottom corner. No Fabio Lima for UAE, but Luangino fills his shoes. Moinad Ali. He's going to battle for that ball and it'll break kindly for Ali Al-Hamadi. Into the box he goes! And that is a fine save from Khalid Aissa. He's managed to tip it around the post as he was heading for the near side. Tremendous reflex goalkeeping. Corner kick for Iraq. It's parried away to the edge of the box. Picked up by Aymar Sher. He'll send it back into the middle. And Khalid Aissa comes up with another tremendous save. That was coming at him with some real pace. Al-Hamadi with the header. Iraq have had the bigger chances. It is 1-1 thanks to the keeper. Ramadan caught in possession here. Al-Hamadi, great pass into the box. Ali, side netting only. And Iraq should be leading. UAE really up against it here. Osman Oluoglu will be keen to get his team in and regroup at half-time. Khalid Aissa, the hero in that first half. Luangino. Kaio Lucas, the half-time substitute, leaves it for Abdullah Ramadan. Tries one from way out. Jalal Hassan forced into action. A bright start to the second half from the UAE. They could certainly use a lead to take to Basra next week. It's up into the air. Headed away, but not too far away. Nicolas Jimenez went for the volley. And he was not far off getting that just right. Only narrowly missed the top corner of Hassan's goal. UAE have upped the intensity at the end here. Free kick for Jimenez. Deep into stoppage time. It's into the box. And it's into the back of the net. Kaio Lucas has surely won it. But was he onside? They're going to have to take a look at this. And the celebrations will be cut short. It's going to be disallowed for offside. He was just beyond the last line of defence when he headed it past the keeper. This could not be more finely poised at the final whistle. UAE went for the winner on home turf after Khaled Ayesa's first half saves. But it's Iraq who will perhaps be happier with the 1-1 draw. They have home advantage next week. It's all to play for.