Salim Cheniouni
Two
first half goals were enough for Iraq to secure three points and advance to the
semi-finals of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup
The
second round of matches of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup kicked off at
the Khalifa International Stadium with a clash between Iraq and the UAE off the
back of impressive victories in their opening matches. Iraq had defeated home favorites
Qatar 2-1 while the UAE convincingly overpowered Yemen 3-0.
Iraq
began the first half with a brilliant team effort goal in the 6th
minute, when 22-year-old Alaa Abbas tapped in a
close range shot to give the Iraqis the early lead.
Iraq scored a second goal in the 37th
minute after Ali Adnan’s cross met Iraqi captain, Alaa Abdul-Zahra’s header.
In the
second half the Iraqis continued to dominate, creating chance after chance with
very little resistance by the Emiratis.
In the 80th minute Belgian referee
Alexandre Boucaut had to resort to the VAR system after UAE defender Khalifa Al Hammadi’s
clumsy challenge brought down Mohammad Reda Jalee, however,
former Udinese Calcio and Atalanta wing back Ali Adnan’s penalty
was saved by Emirati goalkeeper Mohamed Al Shamsi.
As the final whistle blew Iraq came out
victorious 2-0. Iraq now top Group A with 6 points guaranteeing them a spot in
the semifinals. The UAE will play host nation Qatar on the 2nd of
December in a must win affair.