Qatar, Iraq to meet in soccer final in Doha
(Xinhua)Updated: 2006-12-13 09:36
Iraq and host Qatar will compete in the men's soccer final after defeating South Korea and Iran respectively at the Doha Asian Games on Tuesday.
At Al-Gharrafa Stadium, Iraq beat South Korea 1-0.
South Korea gained the upper hand at the beginning and forward Jung Jo Gook came close to scoring in the 15th minute with a powerful shot inside the box.
 Qatar players celebrate after scoring against Iran during their semi-final soccer match at the Asian Games in Doha December 12, 2006. [Reuters] |
But the Iraqi side demonstrated high efficiency in counterattacks. Iraq's midfielder Mujbel Samer headed home in 24th minute with a timely follow-up after captain Khalef Younes' shot was denied on the line by a South Korean defender.
It turned out to be the sole goal of the match.
Qatar beat Iran 2-0 at Al-Sadd Football Stadium which was filled with thousands of Qatari fans.
Qatari strikers Abdularhman Hussain Yaser and Quintana Sebastian used their speed to break Iranian defense time and again.
The first goal came in 28th minute when Sebastian advanced near the right corner of box and powered the ball into left lower corner with a long shot.
Yaser sealed the victory in 74th minute when his powerful shot hit an Iranian defender and deflected into the net.
The final will take place on Dec. 15.
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