By Jia Hui
Iraq certainly lived up to expectations as the 2007 Asian Cup winners beating Singapore away 2-0 in a World Cup Qualifier at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
Iraq proved too good for Singapore last night (PIC: www.bolasepako.com)
Both teams showed signs of fatigue at the start of the game. This was probably due to the travelling both sides had made, prior to this game; Singapore arriving home from Kunming on Saturday evening and Iraq from their own country, to Singapore, after a 31-hour flight.
Meanwhile, Singapore coach Raddy Avramovic, who was serving a touchline ban for this game, made two changes to the side that played in the controversial loss against China. Shi Jia Yi, who was suffering from a stomach upset, was named as a substitute. In his place was 27-year-old forward Hafiz Rahim who plays for Geylang United in the S.league who made his international debut for Singapore in this game.
Also, goalkeeper Lionel Lewis started in goal, replacing Izwan Mahbud who suffered an injured ankle in the previous game.
Similarly, Iraq made two changes from their previous game. Winger Hawar Mulla Mohammed was replaced by striker Mustafa Kareem and midfielder Karrar Jasim was replaced by Muthana Khalid.
Despite Zico criticizing the Jalan Besar Stadium’s artificial pitch, saying that “it was more for schoolboys”, the Iraqi team adapted well after a slow start and seemed very comfortable with the pitch. They then started to pepper shots at Singapore’s goal. Fortunately for Singapore, they were lucky that the score still remained 0-0 at half-time thanks to some brilliant defending from their backline.
On the other hand, Singapore did not really create any clear-cut chances and hence goalkeeper Mohamed Kassid was not really tested in the first half even though there were a few half chances from the Singapore side.
Both teams headed into the break goalless having a fair share of possession and shots, even though Iraq were the team that were more likely to break the deadlock.
Indeed, after 49 minutes, Iraq broke the deadlock with a goal by Ala’a Abdulzehra when he headed home the ball after connecting with a flick on from Nashant Akram which goalkeeper Lionel Lewis had absolutely no chance in saving it.
With that goal, Singapore pushed forward in search for an equalizer and were denied a penalty when Singapore’s debutant Hafiz Rahim was pulled down in the box and the Singapore players protested furiously, but to no avail as Japanese referee Tojo Minoru waved play on.
Tempers from both teams flared as the match entered its closing stages and it almost sparked a free-for-all. Thankfully for both teams, Minoru kept the players in check and ensured that would not happen, despite the game being one with a total of only 5 yellow cards given out to both sides.
With Singapore attempting to get an equaliser in the closing stages, an aimless long ball was then allowed to bounce in the Singapore penalty area and Iraq’s Younis Mahmoud got a toe on the ball, which looped over Singapore goalkeeper Lionel Lewis and into the back of the net. 2-0 to Iraq and definitely game over for Singapore.
In the end, Singapore were left to rue two defensive errors which allowed Iraq to score and win the game. Singapore captain Shahril Ishak admitted after the game it was those two mistakes which ultimately cost the Lions the match as well as the fact that they did not put away the chances they created.
Singapore will now next play Jordan at home at the Jalan Besar Stadium on the 11th of October where a loss might just spell the end of their hopes of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, while Iraq will next play away to China on the same day.
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