United Arab Emirates coach Mahdi Ali has blamed the match officials for his side’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying loss to the Socceroos in Abu Dhabi last night.
Tim Cahill’s 75th minute winner was the moment of contention in the eyes of the 51-year-old, who said the referee failed to spot the striker’s push on defender Mohanad Salem. Footage showed this allowed Cahill to gain separation and find the net from Brad Smith’s pinpoint cross.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Ali said: “We lost at home because of a mistake by the referee.”
“The goal was a foul. This is football. We have to accept it.
The result comes after UAE’s shock 2-1 win over Japan in Saitama in the opening qualification match.
“We are very happy that we won outside against Japan, they are one of the favourite teams for qualification, as well as Australia.”
Despite the point of controversy surrounding the decisive goal, Ali was full of praise for both sides on the night.
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