DOHA: 2007 champions Iraq fought back a goal down to beat Vietnam 3-2 in their last group game at the Al Sadd Stadium on Wednesday.
Iraq completed the group stage with a perfect nine points.
The victory, secured by an Aymen Hussein spot-kick deep into stoppage time, meant it was the first time Iraq had completed the group stage with a perfect record and what made the win more remarkable was the performance of the second liners.
Head coach Jesus Casas rested senior players as the West Asian side had already booked their knockout stage spot with a match to spare.
“It was a difficult, hard-earned victory and I am pleased with the outcome. A lot of players made their international debut and were understandably nervous, especially as Vietnam showed outstanding resilience in defence,” said Casas.
Despite comfortably advancing to the Round of 16, the 2007 champions conceded in every match but the unfazed Spaniard attributed it to their offensive style of play.
“Our team has generally been conceding goals but I think that’s quite normal when you play with an offensive approach and it’s not necessarily a flaw in the defence,” said the 50-year-old.
