Passion, grit, hard work and emotion fuel Iraq's stunning victory over Japan at AFC Asian Cup 2023
(Courtesy : AFC Media)
35,000 fans become the 12th player for the Lions of Mesopotamia.
In a breathtaking display of football, Iraq, currently ranked 63rd in the world, pulled off an unexpected victory against Japan, the top-ranked team in Asia and 17th globally. The Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan, was transformed into a fortress by 35,000 Iraqi fans, who played a pivotal role as the ’12th player’ for Iraq.
Japan, fresh from impressive performances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and friendlies, including victories over Germany, Spain, Turkey and Canada, seemed unbeatable. Conversely, Iraq’s recent record, including draws with India, Thailand, and Jordan and a narrow win over Vietnam, did not hint at the upset that was to unfold.
The atmosphere in the stadium was electric. Japanese players were greeted with boos and whistles, intensifying the sense of a hostile environment reminiscent of being trapped in the Tigris-Euphrates Valley.
Iraq’s lineup raised eyebrows as five regulars – Zidane Iqbal, Mohanad Ali, Ali Adnan, Bashar Resan and Osama Rashid – were absent. This decision by the think-tank to opt for players who could bring extra energy to the pitch was a tactical gamble that paid off.
The match began with relentless support for Iraq and every Japanese move met with jeers. Japan’s technical and physical play, which has dominated Asian football, met a determined Iraqi team, ready to fight for every ball.
Iraq’s Ali Jasim tested Japan’s goalkeeper Zion Suzuki in the fourth minute, signalling their intent. Then, in the very next minute, Aymen Hussein’s header, a well-rehearsed move, put Iraq ahead. Hussein would prove pivotal again, scoring in the 45+4th minute to double Iraq’s lead.
The second half saw Japan, known for their resilience, introduce stars like Takehiro Tomiyasu, Takefusa Kubo and Takumi Minamino. But, Iraq’s defence, backed by a roaring crowd, held strong. Japan’s glimmer of hope came with Wataru Endo’s goal in the 90+3rd minute, but it was not enough.
Iraq’s resolute defence and strategic play, with only 28% possession, led to a historic 2-1 victory. Japan managed only two shots on target compared to Iraq’s three, with two resulting in goals.
Final Score: Iraq 2-1 Japan
Goals: Aymen Hussein (5′, 45+4′), Wataru Endo (90+3′)
Attendance: 38,663
This match will be remembered as a testament to Iraq’s passion, grit, and strategic acumen, proving that in football, underdogs can triumph against all odds.
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Ashish Negi is the co-founder and CEO of Khel Now. A computer engineering graduate from LPU (2015), he has been closely following and covering Indian football and sports since 2007. He started the Indian Football Team Facebook page in 2013 and later handed it over to the AIFF in 2015 when it had grown to over 500K followers. Ashish continues to drive Khel Now’s vision while staying deeply connected to the pulse of Indian sport.