Resilient Iraq book 24th Arabian Gulf Cup semi-final ticket with convincing 2-0 defeat of the UAE
Iraq became the first team to advance into the semi-finals of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup after thumping the UAE 2-0 with goals from Alaa Abbas and Alaa Abdulzahra in their second match of Group A played at the Khalifa International Stadium on Friday.
It was undoubtedly a commanding performance from the coach Sercko Katanec lads, who had earlier stunned hosts Qatar after running away with a 2-1 victory on the opening night of the tournament, as they were in control of almost every department of the match right from the blast of the whistle.
With both teams victorious in their first matches of the eight-team tournament, UAE overran the Yemenis 3-0 with Ali Mabkout claiming a hat-trick, a win for either of the sides was all it takes to book the last-four ticket.
The outcome of the match, which gave the Iraqis the maximum points after two matches, was however more of a sweet revenge for the 56-year-old Katanec who was relieved of his duty by the UAE in 2011 due to some poor results after being in charge for two years.
“I’m very happy that we overcame another strong opponent – the UAE. I must commend my players for giving their best and playing the heart out. It was a tough match but we took control of the game and we played according to plans. Now that we are in the semi-finals, we hope to go all the way and hopefully lift the trophy,” said Katanec after the match.
Three-time champions Iraq opened scoring in the 6th minute through Abbas who caught the UAE defense flat-footed after receiving a well-timed pass from Abdulzahra, the team captain.
The Al-Zawraa striker was all calm and composed as he danced his way around the Emirati defense before firing a shot which evaded the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Mohammed Hasan who could only watch with dismay as the ball caressed the net.
The second-stringed Iraqi team, hurriedly put together by coach Katanec after most of the regulars could not make the trip to Doha due to club engagements, were clearly the better side on the night as they played with more aggression and determination belying the fact that most of them were playing on a stage like this for the first time.
Going into the match, the two sides’ head-to-head record were evenly split, after 28 matches played, as they have both won nine and drawn ten. That record has however now changed in favor of the Lion of Mesopotamia at the end of Friday’s proceeding.
The coach Bert van Marwijk’s side first attempt at goal came in the 29th minute off a defensive error from the Iraqis but Khalfan Mubarak’s lame shot posed no trouble for Iraq’s goalkeeper Mohammed Hameed.
Hasan was once again called into action in the 32nd minute with Iraq’s Amjed Attwan firing a thunderbolt of a shot from 25 yards which the 22-year-old Al Wahda FC shot-stopper could only parry.
With Iraq enjoying most of the possession, it was therefore not a surprise when Abdulzahra headed home in the 37th minute off a cross from Ali Adnan to double the lead for the Iraqis thereby sending the teeming fans to a rapturous celebration.
The first half ended with the Iraqis going into the dugout with a two-goal advantage.
The second half began the way the first ended with the dominant Iraqis firmly in control of proceedings. Abbas was replaced by Mohannad Ali in the 62nd minute and the 19-year-old player who plies his trade with Qatar’s Al Duhail almost made it a third for the Iraqis with his first touch of the ball. He collected a loose ball just outside the 25-yard box of the Emiratis and rifled a shot that Hasan had to parry with full strength.
Despite a flurry of late rallies by the Emiratis, the Iraqis stood their ground and they almost bagged a third goal after substitute Mohammed Ridha, who came in for Abdulzahra, was hacked down by the UAE defense in the 18-yard box. The subsequent penalty kick was however wasted as Adnan’s shot was coolly saved by Hasan.
Iraq will next face Yemen for their last match in the group stage while the UAE will be up against hosts Qatar in what promises to be a battle for the final ticket in the group on Monday.
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