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Emirati PM upbeat about Gulf state's football win against Japan

Xinhua, September 2, 2016 Adjust font size:

Following the United Arab Emirates' 2-1 victory over Japan Thursday in the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifier, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum tweeted his congratulations to the team.

Sheikh Mohammed, the first Arab head of government who established a twitter account, said through his social media channel congratulations to the Emirati team.

With this victory, the UAE boosted its chances to qualify for the second time for the FIFA World Cup finals after the Gulf state participated in the 1990 World Cup in Italy.

UAE forward Ahmad Khalil scored two goals (in the 20th and 50th minute).

Japan, a four-time Asian champions, took the lead through Keisuke Honda, who scored in the 11th minute with a header in front of 63,700 spectators in the sold-out Saitama Stadium.

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