Iranian national team won its opening game in the Asian Cup games by beating the defending champion Iraq, 2 to 1.
The teams, which met at Al Rayyan Stadium in Doha, started the game with a minute of silence for the victims of the Urumieh plane crash in Sunday’s disaster in northwestern Iran.
The first goal was scored in the 12th minute of the game by striker, Yunis Mahmoud for the Iraqi team.
Iranian striker, Gholamreza Rezai scored the equalizer in the 41st minute just before half time and finally in the 84th minute, midfielder, Iman Mobali scored the winning goal with a free kick conceded to the Iranian team after a foul by Iraq defender, Samal Saeed.
Iran will face North Korea and United Arab Emirates in its group. North Korea and United Arab Emirates met prior to Iran-Iraq game and finished the game with no goals on either side. Therefore, Iran is currently in the lead in its group with three points.
Iran will play against North Korea on January 15 and against UAE on January 19.
