Soccer-UAE, Iraq draw to leave World Cup playoff outcome in balance

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup - AFC Qualifiers - Fifth Round - First Leg - United Arab Emirates v Iraq - Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - November 13, 2025 United Arab Emirates's Bruno attemps to shoot at goal REUTERS/Raghed Waked

(Reuters) -Iraq and the United Arab Emirates shared a 1-1 draw in Abu Dhabi on Thursday to leave their World Cup qualifying playoff finely poised ahead of the second leg in Basra on Tuesday.

Luton Town striker Ali Al-Hamadi gave the Iraqis the lead in the 10th minute but a header by Luanzinho eight minutes later secured a draw for Cosmin Olaroiu's hosts.