Iraq win first-ever Asian Cup title

JAKARTA, July 29, 2007 (AFP) - Skipper Younis Mahmoud's thumping headed goal crowned Iraq as Asian Cup champions for the first time with a stirring 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia that was welcomed in Baghdad by barrages of gunfire.
Mahmoud rammed home the 71st-minute header off a Hawar Mohammed corner for the only goal in the fiercely-contested all-Arab final over the three-time champion Saudis in a seething Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

The huge roar inside the stadium was matched by celebrating supporters back in their war-ravaged homeland where Iraqis risked death to rejoice the unifying triumph.

Thousands of Iraqis defied a strict government ceasefire order to welcome the victory with gunfire, although many others stayed indoors after car bombs killed more than 50 fans after Iraq's semi-final victory on Wednesday.

"I had a lot of belief inside myself that we could do something today," said Iraq's Brazilian coach Jorvan Vieira, who said on Saturday he would resign whatever the result.

"I came here to win from the beginning because I am a very bad loser," he added.

"My players had so much confidence and were so sure. They wanted to do something for their country.

"We played very well and, to be honest, I am not happy with 1-0. We should have won 3-0."

Iraq blunted the resistance of the Saudis, who could not counter the determination and steel of their Gulf rivals in the crackling decider to the three-week continental tournament.

Mahmoud's goal came after concerted Iraqi pressure when Hawar's corner directed at the far post went beyond goalkeeper Yaser Al Mosailem and on to the striker's head for a terrific header.

It was his fourth goal to finish joint leading scorer in the tournament with Saudi Arabia's Yasser Al Qhatani and Japan's Naohiro Takahara.

"Iraq deserved to win," admitted Saudi Arabia's Brazilain coach Helio Dos Angos.

"They made it very difficult for us to play our football. I feel sorry for the Saudi people but proud of my players and optimistic for the future."

Iraq, who have captivated the football world, finished conceding just two goals in their six games and put a spanner in the free-flowing Saudis, who were the leading scorers with 12 goals.

The driven Iraqis have showed great resolve throughout the tournament, crushing Australia 3-1 and negotiating South Korea on penalties in their gruelling semi-final.

It was a combustible opening 45 minutes with Australian referee Mark Shield issuing five yellow cards -- three to Iraq and two to the Saudis -- as tackles flew in with a take-no-prisoner approach from both teams.

The Iraqi defence handled the twin Saudi threat of Malek Maaz and Yasser Al Qahtani capably with left-back Bassim Abbas having a particularly solid game with his trademark acrobatic overhead clearances.

There was plenty of off-the-ball incidents with defender Ali Hussein Rehema going down clutching his face in the penalty area awaiting a free kick with the referee speaking to Al Qahtani but not taking the matter further.

Iraq, who had the better chances in the fiercely-contested exchanges, went close in the 28th minute when Karrar Jassim wriggled past two defenders and forced goalkeeper Yaser Al Mosailem to punch clear.

Iraq skipper Mahmoud went down dramatically grabbing his head after defender Waleed Jahdali appeared to head-butt him, but television replays showed that Mahmoud milked the incident and both were booked by the referee.

Al Qahtani had his only chance of the half when he made some space nearing half-time but blazed his shot well over the bar.

Playmaker Nashat Akram gave Mahmoud a chance in the box but his close-range shot was blocked by Waleed Jahdali 15 minutes after the interval.

Iraq goalkeeper Noor Sabri made a flying save to prevent a screaming volley from Taiseer Al Jassam going in and the action switched to the other end where Al Mosailem made a double save to stop Mahmoud and then Hawar Mohammed.