DOHA: Iraq got their AFC Asian Cup Group D campaign off to a strong start with a 3-1 win over Indonesia at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Monday.
This was Indonesia’s return to the tournament after 16 years of absence as coach Shin Tae-yong’s side exchanged attacks with their opponents, but ultimately lost steam as the game wore on.
Meanwhile, head coach Jesus Casas’ men came flying and nearly found themselves ahead after just three minutes when Ali Adnan whipped a free-kick from the right that was headed by Osama Rashid just wide.
Indonesia responded almost instantly, after a cross into the Iraqi box was punched away by goalkeeper Jalal Hassan but only as far as Marselino Ferdinan who hit it first-time, but watched it strike the top of the crossbar and go behind.
