In front of a packed-out Basra International Stadium, Amir Al-Ammari struck from the spot to take Graham Arnold's side into March's intercontinental playoffs.

The winner came after substitute Mohanad Ali had headed in a 66th-minute equaliser for the Iraqis, who had gone behind to Caio Lucas's opener 14 minutes earlier.

Iraq, attempting to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since its debut appearance in 1986, will join five other teams in the playoffs with two spots at the finals available.

A game of few opportunities came to life in the 52nd minute when Yahia Nader drove through midfield to slip the ball into the path of Caio Lucas, the Brazil-born forward taking a touch before scoring beyond Jalal Hassan.

UAE almost doubled its lead two minutes later, only for Nicolas Gimenez's volley to crash against the crossbar with Hassan, who was celebrating his 100th appearance for Iraq, well beaten.

Iraq was second-best for much of the game but a set piece allowed Arnold's side to pull level.

Al-Ammari swung his free kick from the left flank towards the six-yard box and Ali's header took a deflection off Nader that ensured goalkeeper Khalid Eisa had little chance of preventing the ball from crossing the line.

Ali was heavily involved again as Iraq was awarded the decisive penalty, the striker connecting with a header that Nader swatted away with his arm and referee Yusuke Araki pointed to the spot after viewing the pitch-side monitor.

Al-Ammari thumped the spot-kick high into the goal as Eisa dived the wrong way to spark celebrations in the stands.