AFC U-22 C'ship (SF): Korea Republic 0 - 1 Iraq

Hakeem Shakir’s 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup semi-finalists maintained their formidable 100% record in the tournament after a closely-fought deadlock with few chances was ended by defender Al Shabbani’s close-range strike 16 minutes from time.

Iraq advance into the competition’s final to be played on Sunday when they return to Seeb Sports Complex. Korea Republic will be at the same ground a day earlier for a match to decide the tournament’s third place spot.

“We pushed Korea Republic throughout this semi-final match as we wanted to end this match before 90 minutes was over, which we did,” said Iraq coach Shakir, whose last two encounters with Korean sides were decided by penalty shootouts.

“We want to be the champions of Asia to prove that Arab teams are strong too. I am happy that my team has knocked out some of the strongest teams in Asia so far in this tournament.”

“We worked very hard with this team and for a long time. We have scored in every match we’ve played in. The players motivate themselves and we, as a team, motivate each other, I know what this generation of Iraqi players wants: to win every match and to win championships.”

Iraq were on top from the onset and after just three minutes a cleverly worked freekick routine gave space for fullback Ali Bahjat to take an early shot on goal from 25 yards out, although his strike cleared No Donggeon’s crossbar.

In an exciting opening spell, Iraq’s quarter-final match-winner Amjed Kalaf then set-off on a trademark marauding run down the Korean right flank, skipping past left back Lee Jae-moung in the proces, but his resulting cross was too close to the near post and the alert No was quick off his mark to cut out the danger.

But Korea Republic soon began to reassert themselves and the contest then settled into an even battle of wills with the closely-matched sides, both unbeaten in the competition, cancelling each other out.

Behind lone striker Kim Hyun, the advanced midfield three of Yun Il-lok, Hwang Ui-jo and Kim Young-uk flickered sporadically in a 4-2-3-1 formation, but they were by and large nullified by the Iraq backline who looked to the dangerous Kalaf with his pace a constant threat on the counter.

In the second half Korea Republic coach Lee Kwang-jong pushed Hwang and Yun higher up the field to give his side more of a cutting edge and although his side did begin with renewed attacking intent, the pattern of the match looked to endure with neither side able to find a key to unlock their opponent’s defence.

However, with just over a quarter of an hour remaining, Kalaf powered down the Korean right and flashed in a cross that was cleared for a corner.

From the resulting set-piece, the ball found its way to Mahdi Kamil and his half-volleyed shot from outside the penalty box got as far as team-mate Al Shabbani who swiveled and shot on the turn, past the diving No into the bottom right-hand corner.

And with six minutes remaining second half substitute Ali Faez came close to doubling Iraq’s lead as the defender blasted a freekick from fully 30 yards which needed a spectacular save from No, throwing himself to his right to push the ball out for a corner.

With the match into stoppage time, and Korea Republic leaving space behind as they pushed forward in numbers, Mohanad Abdulraheem broke into the penalty box only to be denied by the Korean custodian. However, his misfortune went unpunished as the final whistle blew shortly after.

“My players did their best. I expected it would only be one goal that would make a difference, and this match proved me correct,” said Korea Republic coach Lee.

“Iraq have the strongest squad in this championship, especially their two forwards. We didn’t make our chances efficiently, which was the reason we didn’t win this match.”

“This tournament has been positive for giving me lessons and information about my players for our next tournament at the 2014 Asian Games.”