Saudi Arabia books berth in World Cup finals

DUBAI, OCT. 22. Saudi Arabia thrashed Thailand 4-1 in Riyadh on Sunday to book its place in next year's World Cup football finals. On a dramatic day of final Asian round qualifiers, Saudi Arabia took the top spot in the group A as Iran crashed to a 1-3 shock defeat against Bahrain in Manama. The Saudis had gone into the match a point behind Iran in the chase for the lone automatic qualifying place from group A and they set about their task confidently.

Abdullah Sheehan put them in front after 40 minutes and the Saudis added three more in the second half, through Abdullah Jamaan (50th minute), a penalty conversion by Sami al- Jaber in the 66th and a fourth goal from Ibrahim Mater after 73 minutes.

Thailand only managed a second-half consolation goal through Boriban Tananchai to show for its efforts as it finished at the bottom of the group with four points from eight matches.

Iran which finished second behind Saudi will play against the United Arab Emirates, the second placed team in group B, in a double-leg play off.

The winner will then challenge Ireland in a play-off for a berth in the finals. China has already qualified from group B as the top team.

- PTI

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Section  : Sport
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