Iraq edge Turkmenistan 3-2 in Asian Cup

Iraq, who suffered a surprising 1-0 loss to Uzbekistan in their first match in Asian Cup Group C, pulled out to edge Turkmenistan 3-2 on July 22, reviving their hope of qualifying the group stage.

Both sides showed strong will of attacking and loose defense in the whole match. Hawar Mohammed put Iraq to 1-0 lead only 12 minutes into the game by nodding home a heading cross at the goalmouth.

Turkmenistan, who enjoyed a stunning 2-2 tie with Asian soccer powerhouse Saudi Arabia in their first group match, upset the Iraqis only two minutes later. Vladimir Bayramov headed home a cross from the right to tie the score 1-1.

The turning point of the match appeared in the 60th minute when Turkmenistan's Kamil Mingazov was sent off with the second yellow card, which fueled Iraq's firepower.

After squandering countless scoring chances, Iraq's Razzaq Farhan broke the ice on 80 minutes by heading home the ball which bounced back from the bar.

However, hard-fighting Turkmenistan equalized the score five minutes later through a free kick by Begenchmuhammed Kuliyev. The powerful shot hit the body of an Iraqi defender and flew home in the opposite direction of the goalkeeper's save.

As all the spectators expected the two sides to accept a 2-2 tie, Qusay Munir made a brilliant header home to seal the victory for Iraq in the 90th minute.

Iraq will face Saudi Arabia in their last group match on Monday while Turkmenistan take on Uzbekistan.

Source: Xinhua