Round 2 – Group F: Vietnam 0-1 Iraq
Iraq left it late to defeat Vietnam 1-0 in Group F of their Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ tie on Tuesday.
22/11/2023 12:50:19
Both sides came into the tie having won on Matchday One, with Vietnam claiming a 2-0 victory against the Philippines, while Iraq strolled to a 5-1 win over Indonesia.
Vietnam, however, were forced to defend at the start with Iraq applying the pressure on Dang Van Lam, who had to be on his toes as the West Asian side sent dangerous crosses into the area.
Iraq kept increasing the tempo with Van Lam then producing a diving save to deny Ali Adnan’s curling corner while Bashar Rasan wasted a chance just before the break, sending his effort right into the arms of Van Lam following Ali Jasim’s cross.
Vietnam rang in the changes in the second half with Le Pham Thanh Long coming in for Nguyen Tuan Anh and Khuat Van Khang for Vo Minh Trong but the Southeast Asian side’s efforts fell flat against a stout Iraqi defence.
Iraq continued pressing for the winner with Adnan setting up Ali Jassim nicely from his deep throw in but the forward wasted his effort when he sent it wide.
However, Iraq’s relentless pursuit for the winner finally paid off in the seventh minute of added time as Ali rose highest to nod home the winner past Van Lam.
Source: AFC
