Iraq qualified for the second round of the Asian Cup

The Iraqi national team qualified for the second round after defeating Japan 2-1 today, at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, in the second round of the fourth group competitions in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.

Ayman Hussein 5 and 45+4 scored Iraq’s goals, while Wataru Endo (90+3) scored Japan’s goal.

Iraq was alone at the top of the group standings with 6 points from two matches, compared to 3 points for Japan, while Vietnam and Indonesia still had no points pending the outcome of the confrontation between them, as the Iraqi team guaranteed to qualify for at least the round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.

The third and final round of the group competitions will be held on Wednesday, January 24, where Iraq will meet Vietnam at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, and Japan will meet Indonesia at Al Thumama Stadium.

The first round on Sunday witnessed Japan defeating Vietnam 4-2, at Al Thumama Stadium, and Iraq defeating Indonesia 3-1 on Monday at Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium.

The top two teams in each group qualify for the round of 16, along with the four best third-placed teams.