BANGKOK, 27 December 2007 — Asian Cup holders Iraq cruised to a stylish 3-1 win over Uzbekistan yesterday to book their place in the final of the King’s Cup in Bangkok.
Despite missing most of the Asian Cup-winning team, Iraq were in control throughout and netted three second-half goals to set up a final with hosts Thailand, who beat North Korea 1-0 in the second match.
After a drab first half, Iraq piled on the pressure and went ahead on 56 minutes through Salah Alwan, who crept past the Uzbek defense to head home at the near post. Abdullah Wisam Zaki added a second eight minutes later when his perfectly placed free kick sailed into the top corner from 22 meters.
Pavel Solomin pulled one back for Uzbekistan from the penalty spot for a handball before Mohammed Khaldoon secured the win for Iraq 13 minutes from time when he skipped round the defense and slotted past the Uzbek keeper. Thailand, who had already qualified for the final, were gifted their goal by some shoddy North Korean defending 55 minutes into a dour match.
Narongchai Vachiraban’s free kick wide on the right drifted through the watching defense, past the startled keeper and onto the head of the unmarked Patiparn Phetpun, who nodded home from two meters.
The Thais would have gone ahead after 15 minutes but for a bizarre blunder by striker Pipat Thongkanya, who fluffed two successive chances to score in front of an open goal.
North Korea had two chances to equalize, with Hyok Cha-jong’s fine header acrobatically saved by Thai keeper Sivarak Tedsungnoen and Guk Mun-in denied by the post four minutes from time.
Thailand finished top of the group on maximum points with nine, Iraq were second on six followed by North Korea and Uzbekistan on a point each. The final takes place on Saturday.
