Caitlin Dillon
As eight nations from across the Gulf gathered in Qatar for the 24th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup, Iraq’s Head Coach, Srecko Katanec, had already publicised the expectations he had for his team’s opening match against host nation Qatar when speaking at the pre-match press conference, “I expect a lot… and nothing.”
Asian champions Qatar created numerous chances within the first 15 minutes in front of a capacity crowd at Khalifa International Stadium. However, their luck soon changed as Iraq’s Mohammed Qasim put his side ahead in the 18th minute amid a crumbling Qatari defence, with Qatar’s Iraqi born defender, Bassam Al-Rawi, ducking out of the way of Qasim’s shot.
An uneventful nine minutes followed, before Qatar gave away a free kick, paving the way for Qasim to double his side’s lead from 30 yards out.
After half-time Qatar emerged re-energised, and it wasn’t long before Abdelaziz Hatim scored for the home side.
In the 64th minute, Qatar’s Tarek Salman was replaced by Mohammed Muntari, who, despite repeatedly being in the right place at the right time, failed to convert Qatar’s two best chances into anything tangible.
However, the home crowd’s disappointment as the final whistle blew was evident, as the Qatari side have no choice but to turn their attention to their next Group A match against Yemen on Friday night.