Iraq won its 1^st ever Asian Cup title on Sunday as they defeated 3 time winners Saudi Arabia 1-0.

It was fitting that the lone goal came from captain and top striker, Younis Mahmoud, whose towering header at the back post (from an Iraqi corner) in the 71st min. was enough for the war-torn nation to lift the trophy.

The Iraqis showed the greater courage on the day as the Saudis looked a bit fatigued and lacked any real creativity to unlock a stingy Iraqi defense that only gave up 2 goals throughout the tournament.

Perhaps the only real downside to the beleaguered nation’s triumph was the fatalities that occurred after both their semifinal and final wins. As if the death toll in the Middle Eastern region wasn’t enough, excess celebratory gunfire and bombings also ended in loss of lives.

The country will now turn its attention to World Cup Qualifiers, but it seems Iraq will have to do without Brazilian coach Jorvan Vieira, who has decided to call it quits having taken Iraq to an indescribable victory.

 

This Sunday the AFC Asian Cup Final will feature Iraq and Saudi Arabia in a Middle Eastern contest for the 2007 crown of Asia.

The Saudis defeated rival heavyweights Japan (also with 3 Asian Cup titles) in a 3-2 semifinal goal-thriller and now have the chance for regional soccer supremacy by lifting the Asian Cup for the 4th time.

Their opponent, Iraq, has some how transcended immeasurable circumstances to reach the final, overcoming Vietnam and then South Korea in the knock-out stages. Even with the easier route to the final, the Iraqi players are a testament of what cooperation and unity can achieve, if only in the world sport.

Of course you would never think about betting against the Saudis in this one, but if Iraq pulled out the miracle, it would be the Cinderella of cinderella-dreams.

 

If you haven’t noticed savages, Manchester United’s pre-season football tour is not the only soccer being played in Asia. Real World Football is being played in the Far East as the AFC Asian Cup reaches its quarterfinal stage.

Stagnate giants of Group A and B, Australia and Japan will face off in the first quarterfinal match on Saturday followed by a surprise match-up between Iraq and Vietnam in the other quarterfinal.

Both Japan and Australia staggered through the opening round games with inconsistent form, receiving heavy criticism from every possible angle. Still 2-time Defending Champions, Japan finished top of Group B while the surprise form of Iraq bested Australia in Group A. Now all 3 have a chance at glory.

The pressure for the Japanese actually seems to be mounting as they will face a tough test against Australia and as defending champions have everything to lose. Iraq should have no real problems with Vietnam and seems to have one foot already in the semis.

On Sunday, Iran will play South Korea. Iran topped Group C while the Koreans, teetering on elimination, had to pull out a 1-0 victory against Indonesia in their final group match to sneak by in Group D.

Saudi Arabia will play surprise newcomers Uzbekistan in the final quarterfinal match. Uzbekistan trounced China 3-0 in a critical final Group C match for the opportunity to confront Saudi Arabia, who came through winners of Group D.

As for semifinal predictions, 1st time participants Australia will sink the Japanese and meet up with Iraq, easy winners over Vietnam. The other match will see Iran, just edging out South Korea, play the Saudis, who will end Uzbekistan’s wildest dreams.