AsianCup2023 | Group D : Iraq 3 - 2 Vietnam

First meet fourth on the final day of Group D as Iraq face Vietnam in the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha. Even with a win here today, Vietnam would finish bottom of the table due to their head-to-head results against Japan and Indonesia. But head coach Philippe Trussier was quick to point out that with the World Cup qualifiers coming up, there are numerous reasons to play to the best of their ability. However, it won't be easy. Vietnam have lost their last three meetings with Iraq. Jesus Casas rings the changes for Iraq. Ali Al-Hamadi plays centre-forward, supported by Zidane Ekbal. Pasha Rezan captains the side. For Vietnam, Philippe Trussier freshens up the side by bringing in Nguyen Dinh back into midfield, along with Do Hong-Dong, who captains the side. Cao Tuan Khang spearheads the attack. And into the action in the 17th minute, Vietnam firing the ball into the centre. And a deflection takes it past the goalkeeper. And it's 1-0 to Vietnam in the opening stages. The goal was reviewed after Vo Minh Truong had crossed Zaid Tashid, steered it into his own net. But the attacker was returning from an offside position. And then Vietnam do get their breakthrough in the 42nd minute. Cao Tuan Khang takes the free kick. And it's the big centre-back, Boi Hang Viet Anh, who grabs his first international goal. It was a great finish from the outside of the boot. And into stoppage time in the first half, Cao Tuan Khang's high knee meant referee Mohamed Nazmi bin Nasruddin was obliged to show a second yellow card. And Vietnam reduced to 10 men for the remainder of the game. An incident-packed first half comes to a close. And the drama would continue straight from the off. Ball sent to the near post. And Iraq draw level. Rebin Solaka from an Ali Jassim corner. And this time it's Iraq's centre-back who meets the pinpoint corner to level the score. And in the 55th minute, take two. Ball sent towards Zaid Tashid. Nguyen Philip with a smart save down at the near post. 73rd minute, substitute Ali Jassim leaving the defender in his wake. Chance to pick out Hussein. And he makes it 2-1. Iraq hit the front thanks to some brilliant wing play from Ali Jassim. And Ayman who hits his fourth of the tournament is a good shout for the golden boot. One-way traffic now. Iraq good into play on the edge of the box. And it's Boi Hang Viet An's come sliding in. And he's caught Yousef Amin. And the referee will have a look at this. And it will be a penalty to Iraq. The pressure has been building. And now it's Ayman's chance to extend the lead from 11 metres. And he sees his penalty crash off the woodwork and away. Vietnam are rocking but the score stays 2-1. And into stoppage time, Vietnam with a rare chance to attack Iraq's goal. Tan Bin nods it down to Nguyen Khang Hai. And he scores! Unbelievably against the run of play and with practically their first effort on target since the goal. Vietnam level the score. Iraq's defence just switch off for a moment. And that's all Vietnam needed to bring the score level in stoppage time. Seconds remaining. Iraq throwing the kitchen sink at Vietnam. And there's some tired defending as Vo Minh Truong catches Yousef Amin. And it's another penalty. Up steps Hussein. And he slots it away comfortably with a confident penalty in the opposite corner. To win it in a topsy-turvy game that saw 5 goals, a red card and 2 penalties. The Lions of Mesopotamia go roaring into the round of 16 after completing a clean sweep in Group D. With Ayman Hussein leading the charge for the golden boot. Massive disappointment for Vietnam today who rue their missed opportunities. They have the draw snatched away from them right at the death and exit the Asian Cup.