Back-heel penalty taker dies in car crash

Awana, 21, died following an accident in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi.  He converted an audacious penalty in a 6-2 friendly win over Lebanon in July and the clip received more than 1.2 million hits on Youtube.

However, Awana's coach Srecko Katanec did not see the funny side, substituting him immediately after he scored and leaving him out of the lineup for the next match.

The Baniyas midfielder played for the UAE in Wednesday's 0-0 draw against Australia in an Olympic qualifier, but was injured and was due to have treatment on his injury this week.

"Awana was very honest, keen and committed to his duties. It's a great loss for us, it is very painful news" Khalfan Al Rumaithi, president of the UAE FA, was quoted as saying on the association's website.

Zhang Jilong, acting president of the Asian Football Confederation, also paid tribute to the player, saying he was saddened by his death.