DOHA (Qatar): Iraq became the first team to advance to the knockout stage after they defeated United Arab Emirates (UAE) 2-0 in a Group A match at the 24th Arab Gulf Cup at Khalifa International Stadium here on Friday evening.
Mohammed Qasim and Muhannad Ali scored the goals for the Lions of Mesopotamia, who are hoping to win their first title since 1979.
Iraq’s Slovenian coach Sercko Katanec made nine changes to the team that started against Qatar in their 2-1 victory on Tuesday.
Captain Alaa Abdulzahra was the man of the moment as he assisted Alaa Abbas, and then scored a beautiful goal to shut out the three-time winners.
Katanec’s men have six points from two games, and will play Yemen in their last group game on Monday.
UAE coach Bert Van Marwijk will now be hard pressed to win against Asian champions Qatar to book their place in the semis.
Qatar thrash Yemen 6-0
Qatar, who thrashed Yemen 6-0, will have edge if their next match against the Emiratis end in a draw.
Abdulkarim Hassan scored a hat-trick (29, 36, 72-penalty) while Almoez Ali (57), Abdullah Al Ahrak (85) and Akram Afif (89) scored a goal each against their hapless opponents.
Both UAE and Qatar have one win from two matches, but the hosts enjoy a better goal difference.
