Ayman Hussein led the Iraqi national team to a valuable victory over their Japanese counterparts by scoring both goals in the match (2-1) held today, Friday, at the Education City Stadium. This match was a highlight of the second round of Group D in the Asian Cup currently being held in Qatar.
Hussein opened the scoring for Iraq in the 5th minute, and he added a second goal just before halftime in the 45+5 minute. Japan's Endo managed to reduce the deficit by scoring the first goal for the samurai in the 90+3 minute. With this victory, Iraq moved to the top of the group with 6 points, securing their qualification for the round of 16, while Japan remained second with 3 points.
### Match Highlights
The Iraqi team started aggressively, creating their first chance through a shot from Ali Jassim, which was saved with difficulty by Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Ayman Hussein then put the Black Falcons ahead by capitalizing on a rebound to easily head the ball into the Japanese net.
Iraq continued to apply pressure, and Yusuf Al-Amin attempted to double the lead, but his shot narrowly went over the crossbar. Japan's Hiroki Ito had a chance from the left, but his side-footed shot went wide. Ito tried again in the same manner, but Iraq's goalkeeper Jalal Hassan kept the Japanese efforts at bay. Endo executed a nice overhead kick, but it went out of play. Amir Al-Amari responded with a powerful shot that passed close to the right post.
Hussein secured the second goal for Iraq after receiving a through ball from defender Ahmed Yahya, skillfully heading it into the Japanese goal just moments before the end of the first half.
At the start of the second half, Iraqi coach Jesus Casas was forced to make an emergency substitution, taking off Ayman Hussein due to injury and bringing in Mohanad Ali (Mimi).
Yusuf Al-Amin almost extended Iraq's lead after a brilliant individual effort, but Japanese goalkeeper Kagawa intervened successfully. The referee awarded a penalty to Japan, but VAR overturned the decision after it was confirmed that defender Sulaka did not foul the Japanese striker.
Itakura rose above the Iraqi defense to power a header that was expertly saved by Jalal Hassan. Japan maintained their attacking momentum, but Iraq's defense held strong while relying on quick counterattacks. Japanese player Ritsu Doan took a free kick that just cleared the crossbar. Substitute Mohanad Ali had a golden opportunity to score, but his shot went close to the right post.
In the closing minutes, amid sustained Japanese pressure, Endo managed to reduce the gap with a header that the keeper struggled to clear. The match ended with a historic Iraqi victory by two goals to one.
