UAE beats Australia 1-0 in 2012 Olympic qualifier

Thursday, February 23, 2012

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The United Arab Emirates ended Australia's hopes of qualifying for the 2012 Olympics, winning 1-0 on Wednesday to bolster its own chances of playing at the Games for the first time.

After several good chances for Australia, UAE midfielder Omar Abdulrahman took a backheel pass from Rashad Eisa in the 22nd minute and fired a shot underneath a diving Matthew Ryan for the only goal.

Australia pressed late in the first half and nearly scored when Mate Dugandzic's effort clipped the crossbar in the 40th minute.

UAE tops Group B after Iraq beat Uzbekistan 2-1 Tuesday. The Gulf nation now needs only a draw in its away match against Uzbekistan March 14 to qualify for the Olympics. Australia is last and has no chance of qualifying. (AP)