Iraq are crowned champions of Asia for the first time after beating Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the final of the AFC Asian Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia on Sunday. A 71st minute header from skipper Younes Mahmoud settled the game as Al-Garrafa striker finished joint top scorer of the competition with his crucial fourth goal. The exploit seemingly gave the devastated Iraqi people something to cheer about and helped heal the wounds the war-ridden nation. The Lions of Mesopotamia controlled the game for long spells and looked more determined to win than the Saudis, who were firm favorites for the title.
Goal hero Mahmoud holds the trophy Mahmoud was Iraq's main source of danger, and he almost found the net with a spectacular overhead kick that went inches wide after 10 minutes. Saudi Arabian captain Yasser Al-Qahtani also came close before half-time, but his effort went over the bar. Both teams looked tight in defense, but the Iraqis seemed to control possession in midfield, and in the second half Taiseer Al-Jassim fired a fierce shot that forced a fine save from Noor Sabri in Iraq goal. However, in the 71st minute, Hawar Mulla Mohamed converted a well-taken corner kick, and Mahmoud headed in to give the Iraqi's a priceless lead. Three-time champions Saudi Arabia failed to level the score as Sabri managed to hold on to his fourth successive clean sheet of the competition.
