The UAE players celebrate after defeating Malaysia in the second round of the joint 2022 World Cup and 2023 Asia Cup qualifiers. File / picture used for illustrative purpose

Gulf Today Report

The UAE were drawn in the Group A as the Asia's best learnt of their opponents following the conclusion of the 2022 Asian Qualifiers draw in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

The 12 teams were drawn into two group of each six each. Asian powerhouse Japan were put in Group B while Iran, who have made five appearance at the showpiece event were drawn in the Group A along with the UAE.

The other teams in the Group A are Korea Republic, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. The Group B also boast of strong teams like Australia, Saudi Arabia, China PR, Oman and Vietnam.

Both the groups are expected to produce electrifying matches as the Japan, bidding for seventh appearance will face a tough challenge from South Korea who are looking to be 11th time lucky.

Meanwhile, UAE and Iraq have made the Finals once each while Syria and Lebanon are looking to make their debut at the flagship event.

The top two teams from each groups will qualify automatically for the Finals while the third-placed teams will advance to the Asian playoff to determine the side that will advance to the intercontinental playoff.

The third round is scheduled to be played on the following 10 match days: Sept.2 and 7; Oct.7 and 12; Nov. 11 and 16 in the current year.

The second leg be stretch to the next year and begins on Jan.27 followed by the next match day slated to be held on Feb.1, 2022. The third round reaches the climax on March 24 and 29, 2022.

A Bert Van Marwijk-led UAE won all their matches in the second round to advance to the final round of the qualifiers.