Aymen Hussein's late winner helps Iraq beat Vietnam and stay perfect at Asian Cup

Aymen Hussein came off the bench to score twice – including a winner 12 minutes into added time – as Iraq defeated Vietnam 3-2 to stay perfect at the Asian Cup on Wednesday.

The result means Iraq finish Group D with a flawless three wins from three and sets up a last-16 tie against one of the best third-placed sides at the Khalifa International Stadium next Monday.

Iraq, who had already beaten tournament favourites Japan and Indonesia, started the game with a place in the knockout rounds already sewn up, affording head coach Jesus Casas the luxury of fielding an entirely changed starting line-up, with the exception of defender Rebin Sulaka.

Vietnam took the lead just before half-time when Bui Hoang Viet Anh scored from a set-piece but Khuat Van Khang was then sent off for a second booking just before the interval.

Iraq took full advantage, equalising two minutes after the restart when Sulaka headed home from a corner, before Hussein scored with a header of his own to complete the turnaround in the 73rd minute.

Vietnam almost stole a point against the run of play when Nguyen Quang Hai equalised in the 91st minute, but Iraq upped the tempo again and earned a penalty which was calmly converted by Hussein in the 12th minute of added time.

Victorious Iraq team celebrating with fans, as well they might.

- Defeated #AsianCup2023 favourites Japan
- 3 wins from 3 matches
- Into last 16 as Group D winners pic.twitter.com/WpyvXFfjFa

Meanwhile, in the other Group D game, Japan cruised into the last 16 – and set up a possible showdown with South Korea – after a 3-1 win over Indonesia.

Ayase Ueda struck in each half to go with a late Indonesia own goal in Doha to send the Samurai Blue through as group runners-up behind Iraq.

Sandy Walsh