Lions of Mesopotamia present thrilling performance despite loss to S. Korea
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The Iraqi team lost its match versus Korea Republic team (2-0) on Monday night within the first semi-final of the AFC Asian Cup, yet they displayed a thrilling and active performance for a team that was called for trainings 14 days before the tournament.
Below are the ratings of the Iraqi players during their match versus Korea Republic provided by the ESPN Sports section”
Player Ratings (1-10; 10=best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Jalal Hassan, 5.5 — could have done better with South Korea’s opener, stayed on his line and gave Lee Jeong-hyeop free reign to nod it home. Otherwise, dealt comfortably against shots he would be expected to save.
DF Waleed Salim 6.5 — looked to get forward, but was pinned back by South Korea’s midfield dominance. One of Iraq’s more active players, but had his hands full with Son Heung-min.
DF Ahmed Ibrahim 6 –he played with passion, and was at the centre of a potential penalty shout in the 72nd minute. Didn’t do a lot wrong in defence but found himself part of a defence that copped two.
DF Salam Shakir 5.5– didn’t do a lot wrong, but was overshadowed by a hardworking South Korean frontline.
DF Dhurgham Ismael 7 — the penalty scorer against Iran, Ismael played with confidence that belies his age. One of the rare bright spots in a side that was largely outclassed.
MF Osamah Shafeeq 5.5 — tasked with protecting the back four, he was too often caught in no man’s land by a South Korean midfield that comfortably controlled and dictated possession.
MF Saad Abdulameer 5.5 –struggled to get to grips with the mobile and fast-pressing Korean midfield and was largely peripheral when his side needed him to get his foot on the ball and break up attacks.
MF Amjed Kalaf 6 — a livewire for Iraq throughout the tournament, but not at his most influential in this game – full of running, but not enough final product for his side. A moment of poor decision making in the 90th minute typified his contribution.
MF Alaa Abdulzehra 5.5 – gifted a chance in the 43rd minute that he really needed to show better composure. In a game of few chances, Iraq couldn’t afford wastefulness in front of goal.
FW Ahmed Yaseen Gheni 6 — looked to drive his side forward, but occasionally took the wrong option in the final third and offered mixed set piece delivery.
FW Younus Mahmood 6 — battled hard from the front, the captain was active, especially in interaction with the referee, but failed to provide the real spark to charge his team. /End/