Home side Lebanon pulled a huge upset against the U.A.E. with a surprisingly easy 3-1 victory. The result means Lebanon has already bettered its performance in this round compared to last cycle, where they lost all six games.
The U.A.E. actually took the lead in this match in the 15th minute through Mahmoud Khamees. Khamees rose highest to meet a free kick, and his header beat the keeper. The away side held the majority of possession throughout the match, but could not create much and had too many defensive problems.
Lebanon equalized on a penalty kick late in the first half. Mohammed Ghaddar took a slow run-up, and put the ball to the opposite side of the goalie's dive. It was not until the second half that Lebanon put its stamp on the match.
Akram Moghrabi escaped his marker at the far post and rifled home a cross to give the home side the lead in the 53rd minute. Great combination play put the game out of reach in the 83rd. A ball was crossed in from the right where Roda Antar was free at the far post and his header back across the goal left the keeper with no chance.
This result absolutely crushes the U.A.E. chances. They have dropped its two opening group games, both of which were winnable matches. The side must now try to take points off favorite South Korea. Lebanon now has a glimmer of hope in the group and must try to ride this momentum next month when they host Kuwait.
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