UAE dethrones Vietnam to reach final World Cup qualifying round

The UAE secured a hard-fought 3-2 win against Group G frontrunners Vietnam on Tuesday to book their place in the final round of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

With their fourth straight win, The Whites now move from fourth position to first in Group G.

Vietnam also booked their place in the final round despite the narrow defeat.

Abdullah Ramadan set-up Ali Salmeen who netted the opener for the hosts just after the half-hour mark at Dubai's Zabeel Stadium. 

Just six minutes later, UAE goalkeeper Khalil Ibrahim brought down Bui Tan Truong leading to a penalty which the striker converted.

However, striker Ali Mabkhout confidently slotted home his 76th international goal while Mahmoud Khamis added the UAE’s third five minutes into the second half