Iraq complete Asian Cup last-eight

Iran defeat UAE to cement 100 per cent record.

DOHA: Defending champions Iraq completed the quarter-final line-up at the Asian Cup by beating North Korea 1-0, while a second-string Iran side crushed the UAE 3-0.

Iraq winger Kerrar Jasim converted a rebound mid-way through the first half at the Al Rayyan Stadium and his goal was enough to set up a clash with Group D winners Australia.

“We deserved this victory,” said Iraq’s German coach Wolfgang Sidka. “We especially played very well in the first half.”

“In the last 20 minutes North Korea did everything to get back into the match so we lost the possession of the ball, but not too much.”

N Korea return home after dismal run

North Korea headed home after surrendering meekly at the Asian Cup group stage, picking up just one point and failing to score. North Korean coach Jo Tong-Sop, who was brought in after the World Cup where the Koreans also went home without a point, said it might be time for a re-think.

“We got good experience during this tournament,” said Jo. “We understand defending is important but attacking is more important. Using the experience gained in this tournament, we’ll try work improving our attack in the future.”

Dominant Iran take charge

Arash Afshin and Mohammad Nori were Iran’s goal scorers, with Walid Abbas also putting through his own goal as Afshin Ghotbi’s team completed the group phase as the only side with a 100 per cent record.

Afshin was later sent off, however, and the UAE defender Khalid Sebil also saw red to leave both sides with 10 men on the pitch at the final whistle.

Iran will now meet in-form South Korea – for the fifth consecutive time at this stage of the tournament – having already secured top spot in Group C thanks to a superior head-to-head record against Iraq.

“It’s a completely new tournament now,” said Iran coach Ghotbi. “Without this match against South Korea, it’s not an Asian Cup,” he added while predicting that it will be the clash to be one of the most exciting matches in the history of the Asian Cup.

Luckless UAE look to future

The UAE coach Srecko Katanec says his side are looking to the future after bowing out of the Asian Cup with the own goals being the only goals they scored in the tournament.

“Let’s see the reality that we played in a very strong group,” said the Solovenian tactician after Iran beat them, crushing their faint hope of reaching the quarter-finals. “So it’s nothing wrong,”

“We played good football and that’s it. So we must put our heads up and work hard and this is our level today.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^st, 2011.