Asian cup: Iraq hero Mahmoud dreaming of 2007 final repeat
“I did it because I wanted to send a message to my players not to worry, look how easy it is to score,” said Mahmoud, who scored Iraq’s second as it finished 3-3 after extra time. PHOTO: AFP
Iraq hero Younis Mahmoud said he’s dreaming of an incredible repeat Asian Cup win after taking centre-stage once again as they reached the semi-finals in dramatic fashion.
The veteran was on target against arch-rivals Iran before starring in the penalty shoot-out with an audacious spot-kick.
Mahmoud, 31, made light of a cauldron atmosphere in Canberra to chip a ‘panenka’ penalty past Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi as Iraq snatched the shoot-out 7-6.
“I did it because I wanted to send a message to my players not to worry, look how easy it is to score,” said Mahmoud, who scored Iraq’s second as it finished 3-3 after extra time.
Friday’s upset win over Iran puts Iraq into a semi-final clash against South Korea.
Mahmoud admitted his thoughts keep returning to 2007, when Iraq beat Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the final in Jakarta, as he faces up to tomorrow’s semi-final with the Taeguk Warriors.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 25th, 2015.