Iraq crush Singapore 2-0 in their World Cup™ qualifier today but blew several opportunities.
Newly-appointed Iraq coach and Brazilian legend Zico had lamented his side's propensity to squander goalscoring opportunities in a pre-match press conference, and the evidence was in full show at Singapore's Jalan Besar Stadium.
Iraq forced the Singapore goal from the starting whistle, laying siege for long periods of the game, but wayward finishing and determined maintaining held the scoreline level at half-time.
Iraq's persistence at last paid off in the 49th minute when Ala'a Abdulzehra put them in front, heading an inswinging cross to the left corner of Singapore's goal and beating goalkeeper Lionel Lewis.
Lewis, a replacement for injured goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud, pulled off a string of vital saves throughout the match to keep the scoreline from widening.
Singapore took the game to Iraq after conceding the 1st goal, but were not able to convince a series of golden chances.
Mahmoud makes sure
And Iraq put the game away in the 85th minute after a apparently innocuous chip by Younis Mahmoud sailed past a rooted Lewis and bounced into the goal.
Singapore team manager Eugene Loo stated his team would continue to vie for a place in the next round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers despite their 2nd loss in as many games.
"I guess our boys tried very hard, they pushed very hard... I think we gave them a good battle," he told. "It is tough losing 2 games but its not over. I think our boys still got fight in them and we will not give up."
The result means Singapore drop to last place in the Group A standings as the only team with no points in the group.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Iraq too heavy for Singapore
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