Jakarta: Iraq kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the 2015 AFC
Asian Cup as first-half goals by Hammadi Ahmed and Kerrar Jassim gave
them a 2-0 away win over Indonesia on Tuesday.
Ahmed broke the deadlock at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium with a 27th
minute header and Jassim converted a penalty six minutes later as the
former champions cruised to only their second victory in Group C of the
Asian Cup qualifiers.
With China held to goalless draw at home by Saudi Arabia, the Iraqis
moved within two points of the East Asian side. They will have the
opportunity to leapfrog them into second place and secure a place in
Australia if they can beat them in the final round of qualifying matches
in March.
“It was a difficult match for us because of the pressure that was on our team,” said Iraq coach Hakeem Shakir.
“We were surprised by Indonesia's performance. They are a very
organised team and even after conceding two goals, they still showed
good form. But my players showed great fighting spirit.
“The result of China’s game means a lot for us. It benefits us as it
puts China under pressure and it gives us a good chance to qualify as we
will be playing against them at home.”
Playing at the venue where they lifted the Asian Cup in 2007, Iraq
exerted much of the early pressure as they bombarded the Indonesians
with high balls into the box.
Salam Shakir missed an early opportunity when he headed over but the
Iraqi pressure finally paid off in the 27th minute when Ali Adnan’s
perfectly weighted cross from the left was met in the box by Ahmed, who
planted a firm header past goalkeeper I Made Wirawan.
The visitors continued to stretch the home defence and they earned a
penalty in the 33rdminute after Alaa Abdulzehra was brought down in the
box by Muhamad Roby. Jassim kept his cool and duly dispatched the spot
kick to put Iraq two goals up.
Indonesia were an improved side in the second half but apart from
going close with a 56thminute effort by Samsul Arif, they rarely
threatened to narrow the deficit.
In fact it was the Iraqis who nearly extended their advantage in the
70th minute when a header by Ahmed came back off the crossbar.
“It was not the result that we expected,” said Indonesia coach
Jacksen Tiago. “We tried to anticipate Iraq's tactics but we failed. We
were unlucky but at least we tried our best.
“I have confidence that this team will improve and build a solid base for the national team in the future.”