Iraq national team made a surprise and qualified for the round of 16 after beating the Japan national team, scoring 2-1 in the AFC Asian Cup 2023 Group Stage, Group D at Education City Stadium.
In the beginning game, in the 5th minute, following Ali Jasim’s opening from the left side and Zion Suzuki, goalkeeper Japan punched the ball. Still, it bounced to Aymen Hussein’s header very close range, and Iraq led 1-0.
Japan tried to find opportunities to get the equalizer goal. In the injury time, 45+5 minutes, following a fast break from Iraq and Ahmed Al-Hajjaj passing to the middle for Aymen Hussein’s charge in the very close range, Japan led 2-0.
In the remaining time of the first half, there was no additional score, ending the first half with Iraq leading 2-0.
In the second half, in the 57th minute, Japan almost got the opportunity to take the first goal after Rebin Sulaka conceded a foul to Takuma Asana in the penalty box. But after the referee checked with VAR and decided not to foul and cancelled the penalty kick.
After trying more time, in the injury time, in the 90+3rd minute, following a corner-kick of Japan and Reo Hatate crossing to Wataru Endo’s header into the second post, Japan followed 1-2.
The remaining time of the second half had no additional score, ending Iraq winning 2-1 and qualifying for the round of 16.
Credit Photo : AFC
