DUBAI (AFP) - Australia beat the United Arab Emirates 2-1 to set up a World Cup playoff with Peru next Monday for a place in Qatar.
Jackson Irvine scored the opening goal of the Asian playoff at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, slotting home after good play on the right wing by former Hibernian team-mate Martin Boyle.
Brazil-born Caio Canedo equalized from close range after poor defending.
But Ajdin Hrustic’s heavily deflected strike was enough to send Australia into the intercontinental play-off.
The game was played in 33C heat, although the stadium in Al Rayyan has air conditioning.
They meet South Americans Peru at the same venue for a place in the World Cup.
The final World Cup place will be decided on Tuesday when Costa Rica face New Zealand.