International friendlies wrap: UAE thrash Lebanon

The United Arab Emirates finalised their 2014 World Cup qualifying preparations with a 7-2 drubbing of Lebanon on Sunday.

Ahmed Khalil found some form ahead of the UAE’s opening qualifier against India on Saturday, scoring a hat-trick as the hosts ran riot in Al Ain.

Khalil had his first two goals in the opening 18 minutes, and a powerful strike from distance in the second half completed his treble.

The bizarre highlight of the match was Theyab Awana’s 78th minute penalty.

The UAE midfielder back-heeled his spot-kick past Lebanese goalkeeper Hassan Moghnieh, scoring but also earning a yellow card in the process.

In other friendlies on Sunday, India will head into their first leg match against the UAE on a high after a 2-1 victory away to Qatar, while Iran had a 1-0 win at home against Madagascar in Carlos Queiroz’s first match in charge.