AFC Asian Cup Group D: Jordan 0-1 Iraq

Kasim struck with 13 minutes remaining in the crucial meeting between the West Asian rivals ahead of the 2007 winners' clash with Japan on Friday also in Brisbane.

An incessant downpour during the day left the two teams having to play in high humidity just minutes after holders Japan had cruised to a 4-0 win against Palestine in Newcastle in the group's other game.

But while Iraq had more of the possession by a comfortable margin, both sides were starved for clear-cut chances in the opening half.

Iraq thought they had created a chance in the 16th minute when Kasim picked out Younus Mahmood, but Tareq Khattab came to the rescue by snuffing out the iconic striker with a sliding tackle.

Jordan coach Ray Wilkins had said a day earlier that if his team failed to qualify for the quarter-finals it would not be because of a lack of effort, and his troops proved the former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder right with an industrious performance right down to the final whistle.

But equally, Jordan struggled over the last third of the pitch, missing that touch of creativity necessary to penetrate Iraq's defense as striker Odai Al Saify was free in front of goal a minute before the hour mark only to float a back-header over the crossbar.

During the following sequence, Mohammad Mustafa had another chance for Jordan from the heart of the penalty area, but mishit the ball, shooting harmlessly into the arms of goalkeeper Jalal Hassan.

But just when a draw appeared to be on the horizon, Iraq put an end to the stalemate in the 77th minute through Kasim, who slashed his way into the penalty area from right angle before pulling the trigger and seeing his shot deflected off Khattab to wrong-foot goalkeeper Amer Shafi.

The momentum continued to swing in Iraq's favor as in the 84th minute Jordan defender Anas Bani Yaseen was given his marching orders after collecting a second booking for a late shoulder charge on Saad Abdulameer.

Photo: WSG