Iraq wins the third consecutive victory in the Asian Cup

The Iraqi national team completed the first round with full marks after its exciting victory over Vietnam 3-2 on Wednesday at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, in the third and final round of the fourth group competitions in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.

Rebin Sulaga (47) and substitute Ayman Hussein (73, 90 + 12 from a penalty kick) scored the goals for Iraq, while Bui Hoang Viet Anh (42) and substitute Nguyen Viet Anh (90 + 1) scored the goals for Vietnam.

The Vietnam national team completed the match with ten players after striker Quat Van Kang was sent off in the fourth minute of stoppage time in the first half, as a result of receiving a second warning.

Iraq topped the group standings with 9 full points from three matches, compared to 6 points for Japan and 3 for Indonesia, while Vietnam remained devoid of points.

The Iraqi and Japanese national teams obtained direct qualification tickets from the group, while the Indonesian national team is waiting to determine the best four third-placed teams.

The first round of the group competitions witnessed Japan’s victory over Vietnam 4-2 on Sunday, January 14, at Al Thumama Stadium, and Iraq’s victory over Indonesia, 3-1, on Monday, January 15, at Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium.

On the other hand, the second round on Friday, January 19, witnessed Iraq defeating Japan 2-1 at Education City Stadium, and Indonesia defeating Vietnam 1-0 at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium.

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