Qualifying Round
First in Group E
Under coach Akram Salman, Iraq got off to a poor start in the qualifying competition, losing 2-0 at Singapore in their opening game. But it would be their only defeat in the qualifiers as they won three of their next four games including a 2-1 victory against 2004 finalists China and a 4-2 win over Singapore in Al Ain to secure qualification for a fourth consecutive Asian Cup.
Group Stage
1-1 v Thailand
Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok
Iraq kicked off against co-hosts Thailand in the opening game of the tournament and found themselves trailing after only six minutes to a Sutee Suksomkit penalty. However, the shock of the early goal sparked Jorvan Vieira’s side to life and they dominated proceedings before skipper Younis Mahmoud headed in a deserved equaliser just after the half-hour mark. The torrential rain and heavy pitch took their toll on the Iraqis as the game progressed and they had to withstand heavy pressure from the Thais in the second half to hold on for a point.
3-1 v Australia
Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok
After escaping with a 1-1 draw against Oman in their opener, pre-tournament favourites Australia were expected to turn up the heat against the Iraqis. But it was the Middle Eastern side that dominated instead, taking the lead through a 23rd minute Nashat Akram free kick that flew into the net after Mark Schwarzer misjudged the flight of the ball. Mark Viduka restored parity early in the second half but the Socceroos were stunned once again when Hawar Mulla Mohammed restored Iraq’s lead on the hour after receiving a superb pass from Akram. Karrar Jassim then capitalised on poor defending to seal a memorable victory for the Iraqis four minutes from time.
0-0 v Oman
Supachalasai Stadium, Bangkok
Needing only a draw to progress to the last eight, Iraq did just what was required of them in a dull stalemate against Oman. The Omanis created the best of the few chances on offer with goalkeeper Noor Sabri keeping out efforts by Ahmed Hadid and Imad Ali but there were few real worries for the Iraqi defence as they advanced at the expense of the Gulf rivals. Australia’s 4-0 win over Thailand in a match played at the same time meant that Iraq qualified for the quarter-finals as the top ranked team in Group A.
Quarter-finals
2-0 v Vietnam
Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok
By winning their group, Iraq were able to remain in Bangkok to face rank outsiders Vietnam, who had surprised everyone by reaching the last eight. But any hopes that South East Asian side of springing a surprise were shattered by Younis Mahmoud who headed his side ahead after less than 90 seconds. The Iraqi skipper made it 2-0 with a well-executed free kick in the 66th minute and was only denied the tournament’s first hat-trick by the excellent goalkeeping of Duong Hong Son. Having fallen at the last eight in the previous three tournaments, Iraq were finally able to reach the semi-finals of the Asian Cup for the first time in 31 years.
Semi-finals
0-0 (4-3 penalties) v Korea Republic
Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur
After a gruelling 120 minutes played in wet and heavy conditions in Kuala Lumpur, Iraq outlasted two-time winners Korea Republic to advance to the Asian Cup final for the first time ever. The Iraqis had to absorb heavy Korean pressure at times, particularly in the second half, but created arguably the better chances with Hawar Mulla Mohammed hitting the post and also deflecting Nashat Akram’s free kick straight at goalkeeper Lee Woon-jae. Iraq keeper Noor Sabri would be his side’s hero in the penalty shootout, stopping Yeom Ki-hun’s effort before Kim Jung-woo hit the post to send the Middle Easterners through to the final. - Asian Cup 2007 News Release
