 Iraq beat the tournament favorite Japan 2-1 on Friday to book their place in the last 16 at the AFC Asian Cup.In front of the thunderous cheering crowds at the Education City Stadium, Aymen Hussein’s two first-half goals stunned the four-time champions and propelled Iraq to top Group D after two rounds with six points, reported Xinhua.Asnawi Mangkualam’s first half penalty helped Indonesia edge Vietnam 1-0 late on Friday.Indonesia, level on three points with Japan ahead of their meeting on Wednesday, keeps hope alive to qualify for the knockout stage.Backed by a majority of 38,663 fans at the Education City stadium, Iraq, the 2007 champion of the continental football tournament, started the match stronger with intensity and pace. Japan was pressed back and took time to find their rhythm.Five minutes into the game, Ali Jasim’s cross was parried by Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki into the path of Hussein, who headed the ball into the top corner.Hussein, the 27-year-old striker who plays in the Iraqi Premier League, netted with another header in the final minutes of the first half.After the restart, Japan, with a dominant possession and higher passing accuracy, failed to kick in a goal until the stoppage time when captain Wataru Endo scored with a close-range header.In Group C, Iran entered the round of 16 with one match to spare after the 1-0 victory over Hong Kong, China on Friday night.A total of 24 teams are competing in six groups at the Asian Cup, which runs from January 12 to February 10. Group winners and runners-up will advance to the knockout stage, along with the four best third-placed teams.–IANS){kind=link}
Doha, Jan 20 (IANS) Iraq beat the event favourite Japan 2-1 on Friday to ebook their place within the final 16 on the AFC Asian Cup.
In entrance of the thunderous cheering crowds on the Schooling Metropolis Stadium, Aymen Hussein’s two first-half objectives surprised the four-time champions and propelled Iraq to high Group D after two rounds with six factors, reported Xinhua.
Asnawi Mangkualam’s first half penalty helped Indonesia edge Vietnam 1-0 late on Friday.
Indonesia, stage on three factors with Japan forward of their assembly on Wednesday, retains hope alive to qualify for the knockout stage.
Backed by a majority of 38,663 followers on the Schooling Metropolis stadium, Iraq, the 2007 champion of the continental soccer event, began the match stronger with depth and tempo. Japan was pressed again and took time to search out their rhythm.
5 minutes into the sport, Ali Jasim’s cross was parried by Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki into the trail of Hussein, who headed the ball into the highest nook.
Hussein, the 27-year-old striker who performs within the Iraqi Premier League, netted with one other header within the closing minutes of the primary half.
After the restart, Japan, with a dominant possession and better passing accuracy, didn’t kick in a aim till the stoppage time when captain Wataru Endo scored with a close-range header.
In Group C, Iran entered the spherical of 16 with one match to spare after the 1-0 victory over Hong Kong, China on Friday night time.
A complete of 24 groups are competing in six teams on the Asian Cup, which runs from January 12 to February 10. Group winners and runners-up will advance to the knockout stage, together with the 4 finest third-placed groups.
–IANS