United Arab Emirates 1-2 Australia: Socceroos set up Peru World Cup play-off
- Published
Australia are now 90 minutes away from the World Cup
Australia beat the United Arab Emirates 2-1 to set up a World Cup play-off with Peru next Monday for a place in Qatar.
Jackson Irvine scored the opening goal of the Asian play-off at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, slotting home after good play on the right wing by former Hibernian team-mate Martin Boyle.
Brazil-born Caio Canedo equalised from close range after poor defending.
But Ajdin Hrustic's heavily deflected strike was enough to send Australia into the intercontinental play-off.
The game was played in 33C heat, although the stadium in Al Rayyan has air conditioning.
They meet South Americans Peru at the same venue for a place in the World Cup.
The final World Cup place will be decided on Tuesday when Costa Rica face New Zealand.