Asian Cup Qualifier China 2004: Iraq power past Myanmar

BAHRAIN, Oct 23: IRAQ.........3 MYANMAR.......1

A GRITTY Myanmar fell to their fifth defeat in as many matches but trooped off with their heads held high as they matched Iraq blow for blow before losing 3-1 in an Asian Cup Group F qualifying match at the National Stadium in Manama, Bahrain yesterday.

Iraq's German coach rested seven first team players, including all three goal-scorers against Malaysia — hat-trick hero Younis Khalaf, Qussi Salah and Husam Nagi — but the plan almost backfired as the Iraqis found Myanmar in an uncompromising mood. Iraq struggled to make any kind of impact in the opening minutes of the match with the first attempt coming on 24 minutes, Abbas Hassan's point blank shot palmed away brilliantly by Myanmar goalkeeper Aung Aung Oo. Iraq persisted and in the 38th minute, Abbas finally unlocked the stubborn Myanmar defence with a well-placed shot to give the group leaders the lead.

But Iraq's lead lasted only six minutes as Myanmar deservedly drew level, Zaw Zaw finding the perfect finish to a wonderful cross from Thet Nainj Soe.

Fifteen minutes into the second half, Stange brought on Younis and Ahmed Abbas for Hisham Fiadh and Mhand Ali respectively to provide more fire power in attack.

In the 66th minute, Iraq struck, thanks to a superb volley from Abbas Zayer and two minutes from time, Jassim Fayadh scored from a penalty to keep Iraq on track for a top place finish.

Source: NewStraitTimes.com / S. Selvam

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