Uzbekistan qualified for its debut soccer World Cup on Thursday night, becoming the first ever Central Asian country to make it to the sport’s global showpiece.

ABU DHABI (Reuters) -Uzbekistan qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time at the eighth attempt after a 0-0 draw with the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. Goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov made a trio of second-half saves to ensure the Uzbeks picked up the point required to secure progress from Asian Group A alongside Iran,

Uzbekistan reached their first FIFA World Cup™ by drawing with the United Arab Emirates.The UAE now progress to the fourth round with 14 points, and another shot at reaching what would be a second global finals.