Chitheer lauds Iraq's tactical superiority in overcoming Japan

Tue, 30 Nov, -0001

Chitheer lauds Iraq's tactical superiority in overcoming Japan

Goa: Iraq coach Qahtan Chitheer believes his side's tactical superiority was key in overcoming two-time winners Japan as they secured a place in Sunday's AFC U-16 Championship India 2016 final after a 4-2 victory at GMC Stadium on Thursday.

Japan hadn't conceded a goal in their previous four matches, but Iraq ended that run through Mohammed Dawood's 18th-minute strike before a brace from Hiroto Yamada gave Yoshiro Moriyama's side the lead at half-time.

Defender Muntadher Abdulsada netted Iraq's equaliser on 66 minutes and Dawood, who had netted a brace in Monday's quarter-final win over Uzbekistan, completed his hat-trick as he converted home twice from the penalty spot late on to seal Iraq's place in the tournament climax.