As twilight set over the Jordanian capital of Amman, the only flicker of light that the UAE had, vanished into the darkening sky.

Darkness fell over the UAE's Russian dream, their World Cup hopes well and truly over after a 1-0 loss to Iraq in their final fixture of Asia Zone qualifying.

There had been an ever so slight glimmer of hope for the Whites going into the game, especially after that heroic performance against Saudi Arabia last time out.

But then, Edgardo Bauza's troopers couldn't quite conjure a similar showing against the Iraqis, on neutral turf.

The UAE had needed to win, and win handsomely, at the Amman International Stadium to overturn goal differences, apart from hoping other results go their way.

But Ayman Hussein proved to be the difference between the two sides, the 21-year-old striker settling the issue with a brilliant header on the half hour.

The Whites, depleted with injuries and suspensions, couldn't quite stage the fightback against a stoic Iraq, who kept them on a tight leash.

The UAE's hopes had slowly diminished during the afternoon itself after Australia staved off a spirited challenge from Thailand, to win 2-1 in Melbourne.

That had meant the second automatic spot, although a very, very long shot, was out of question.

Still, third spot and with it the play-offs, was still on the table, with Saudi Arabia set to take on already qualified Japan later.

But that result was left redundant after the UAE couldn't go for that one final push.

It has been a long winding campaign for the UAE where every sinew was stretched, with blood, sweat and tears, littered along the way.

This was perhaps the UAE's best shot after their lone appearance at Italy in 1990. Dubbed as the 'Golden Generation,' this bunch of players had given us massive hope with their performances over the years.

But then, sadly, it was not to be.

Source: Khaleej Times