Iraq's Mohammad Qasem celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates. Reuters/Ibraheem Al Omari
Mohammed Qasem scored two goals as Iraq on Tuesday stunned Asian champions Qatar 2-1 in the opening match of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup at the iconic Khalifa International Stadium.
Earlier, the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani inaugurated the eight-nation tournament, which kicked off with a spectacular ceremony watched by a total of 37,890 fans at the FIFA World Cup 2022 venue.
The defeat ended Qatar’s seven-match unbeaten streak and the hosts will have to make much amends before their second match after making defensive errors besides spurning several chances.
Asian Cup hero Almoez Ali and Asian Player-of-the-Year Abdelkarim Hassan were also off colour as they missed opportunities to score.
“I believe we deserved something from this game because of the chances we created. We tried but as I said we need to be better in the next game,” Qatar coach Felix Sanchez said following the loss.
“Of course no one wants to lose, especially in such a game like this. You are playing at home in front of your fans. And it’s the first game in the competition and we know that we are the champions of Asia. But it does not give you the three points before the start of the game. You need to play.
“What we can do is work hard in this strong group and ensure that we are stronger in the next game and take the points,” said Sanchez.
Qasem scored the first goal in 18th minute after a mistake from defender Bassam Al Rawi and added another nine minutes later. Abdelaziz Hatim scored for Qatar in the 49th minute.
Three-time champions Iraq were rewarded for showing strong nerves in the first stages of the match which Qatar controlled with a dominating and aggressive display.
Qatar looked fiery as they launched attack in the first minute of the match with feared striker Akram Afif taking the first shot, saved by Iraq goalkeeper Ahmed Ibrahim, who looked outstanding yesterday.
Captain Hasan Al Haydos also hit a shot on target in the next minute which was well blocked by Ibrahim. The hosts were in complete control in the first 10 minutes which didn’t see the ball in Qatar’s half.
But Iraq - coached by Srecko Katanec - missing many of their key players, raised their game and started to push their opponents.
Al Duhail’s Mohannad Ali won the first corner for Iraq in the 12th minute but Qatar made a counter attack with Afif setting the attack passing the ball to Abdelkarim with just a goalkeeper to beat.
The star player, however, failed to avail the chance with Ibrahim blocking the move before Iraq scored their first goal.
Qasem crossed the ball in the penalty area, hoping to find a striker but Bassam, who could have stopped the ball let it go into the net, leaving Qatar goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb dejected.
Nine minutes later, the 22-year-old Iraqi fired a stunning left-footed hit from outside the circle to score second goal for his side, clearing the ball from a diving Al Sheeb.
Iraq managed to take the 2-0 lead to breather but Qatar, trailing by two goals came with an improved show as Hatim came off the bench to reduce lead for the hosts, taking advantage of a defensive error by the opposition.
Mostafa Mohamed failed to block Abdelkarim pass to Hatim, who made no mistake in firing on the target from near the penalty area. Qatar continued to push for a leveler and created many chances but lacked execution as Iraq walked away with full points.
Qatar will take on Yemen in their second match on Friday.
