Iraq follows Iran into Asian Cup quarterfinals

Posted Thursday, January 20, 2011 by chinadaily.com

Iraq follows Iran into Asian Cup quarterfinals
Iran's Mohammad Gholami (R) heads the ball against the crossbar as United Arab Emirates' goalkeeper Majed Naser (L) looks on during their 2011 Asian Cup Group D soccer match at Qatar Sports Club stadium in Doha Jan 19, 2011.

The Iraqi fans who attended the match followed their team all the way back to their hotel to continue the celebrations. One of the fans, Ali Kodor, said he hoped the team would go on to win the title again because "this might make us forget some sadness and sorrow we feel at home."

Sidka said his team would "celebrate tonight" before beginning preparations for Saturday's match, which will pit the Iraq coach against fellow German Holger Osieck in the Australian dugout.

"My players are tired," Sidka said. "It's necessary they recover very well as they have one day less than the Australian team (which played on Tuesday). Australia are physically very strong and they have some professional, experienced players in their team."

DPRK was defensively organized, but hardly threatened the Iraq goal, and coach Jo Tong-sop said he may have to adapt his tactics in the future.

"We understand defense is important but not more important than everything else," he said. "We got good experience at this tournament and we'll try to make our game more attacking in the future."

Iran's win over the UAE meant it was the only side to finish the group stage with three wins from three games.

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