Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Antalya: Saif Salman scored a winner as Iraq topped Group E by beating Chile 2-1 in the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2013 played at the Akdeniz University Stadium on Saturday.
Mahdi Kamil opened the account for Hakeem Shakir’s unbeaten side in the 15th minute but Chile Felipe Mora netted the equalizer after 10 minutes. Salman sealed the win in the 67th minute to set up Wednesday’s Round of 16 clash against Paraguay.
Despite the loss, Chile finished second with four points while Egypt stunned England 2-0 to finish at the third position of the group but failed to progress in the tournament.
AFC Youth Player of the Year 2012 Mohanad Abdulraheem engineered the first goal as he came clear of his marker and supplied a cross which deflected at the path of Kamil who did not commit any mistake from the six-yard area to put the Mesopotamian Lions 1-0 up.
Iraq were in control even if Mora brought the score at level for the Marcelo Salas’ side in the 25th minute.
Iraq goalie Mohammed Hameed was asked few questions by the Chileans before Salman’s deflected pile driver kissed the back of the net in the 67th minute. Salman’s shot made a huge deflection off Valber Huerta leaving goalie Dario Melo wrong footed.
Iraq drew against England in the first match while they toppled Egypt and Chile to finish top of the group. They are the only Asian side finishing as group winners. Korea Republic and Uzbekistan also made it through the knockout stages while Australia had to pack their bags early.
Photo: AFP