Iraq beats North Korea to reach Asian Cup quarterfinals

Defending champion Iraq reached the Asian Cup quarterfinals by defeating North Korea 1-0 on Wednesday.

By (AP)

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Published: Thu 20 Jan 2011, 12:27 AM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 7:13 PM

Iraq will play Group C winner Australia in the quarterfinals on Saturday.

Midfielder Kerar Jassim scored in the 22nd minute, sealing Iraq’s place in the knockout round behind Iran, which topped Group D.

North Korea kept a tight defence throughout the match at Al Rayyan Stadium, making it difficult for the Iraqis to create opportunities.

Iraq’s best chance before Jassim scored came in the 17th when Mahdi Kareem’s header hit the underside of the crossbar. Five minutes later Jassim netted on a rebound after Ri Myong Guk parried striker Mustafa Kareem’s shot.

North Korea’s few chances came from set pieces.


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