Iraq stun champions Korea

Ipoh, Malaysia, Footballasia

Iraq announced their challenge at the AFC Youth Championship 2004 with a 3-0 thumping of reigning champions Korea Republic in their opening Group D match on Sunday.

Thailand also got off to a winning start in the group with a 2-1 win over Yemen in Sundayâ??s other Group D fixture.

Heavy rain in Ipoh made playing conditions at the Perak Stadium difficult but Iraq adapted better and went ahead three minutes before the break through Mouslim Almas.

Almas added his second of the game in the 84th minute before substitute Farid Ghadban rounded out the scoring in injury time.

"It's a very good thing for us to get three points from our opening game especially against a strong team like Korea," said Iraq coach Hadi Mutanish. "It was an important win and will give us a good push for our upcoming games against Thailand and Yemen."

Meanwhile, talented young Thai striker Teeratep Winothai scored a brace to lift his side to victory against Yemen.

The former Crystal Palace youth player put the ASEAN side ahead after just three minutes and netted his second from the penalty spot in the 39th minute, just two minutes after Yemen skipper Abdo Al Edresi had equalised.


Source: Footballasia