Iraqi players burst into tears after bitterly losing their ticket to the World Cup

In the early morning of October 15, after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia, Iraq had the same 4 points and goal difference as their opponent but still could not get a ticket straight to the Americas next year.

Iraq could not make a miracle against Saudi Arabia.

At home at King Abdullah Sports City, Saudi Arabia dominated Iraq with 64% possession and 14 chances. On the other hand, Iraq could only endure and did not have a single shot on target.

After a stalemate in the first half, Saudi Arabia got very close to the Iraqi goal. However, Saud Abdulhamid and Salem Al Dawsari's efforts failed to put the ball on target. In the rare time he had a precise shot, Al Dawsari was unable to defeat goalkeeper Jalal Hachim.

Despite not being able to penetrate the opponent's net, Saudi Arabia still enjoyed joy. The 0-0 draw was enough to help the Middle Eastern representative to win a ticket to the World Cup for the 3rd consecutive time. In history, "The Blue Falcons" had participated in the World Cup 4 times in a row (from 1994 to 2006).

On the other hand, Iraq has the same 4 points and 1 goal difference as Saudi Arabia but is ranked behind due to scoring fewer goals (1 compared to 3). Zidane Iqbal and his teammates can only blame themselves for wasting many opportunities in the match against Indonesia.

However, the "Lions of Mesopotamia" continue to hope to participate in the World Cup for the first time since 1986 through the play-off series. Iraq's next opponent will be the UAE. The winner of this match will enter the intercontinental round.

Previously, Asia had 7 representatives winning tickets to go straight to the Americas next year, including Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, South Korea and Uzbekistan.

Source: https://znews.vn/cau-thu-iraq-bat-khoc-vi-mat-ve-du-thang-world-cup-cay-dang-post1593832.html