Iraq set up semi-final clash against Iran

Iraq's pre-match confidence was boosted by their two recent friendly victories over Syria in Baghdad and their winning streak continued to the delight of their fans.

Even this encounter sounded as if it was in Baghdad as the raucous Iraqi fans created a constant barrage of noise that drowned out the Syria supporters in the Abbassayyine Stadium.

The noise from Iraq's all-dancing, all-singing contingent reached a crescendo just before half-time when a corner from diminutive attacker Ahmed Abed Al Jabbar produced a goalmouth scramble, from which left-sided midfielder Ahmed Kazim Assad blasted into an open net from close range.

Despite a fairly open encounter there were precious few goalmouth opportunities during the match, with Syria's Ammar Rihawi and Hassan Ibrahim both testing young Iraqi goalkeeper Noar Sabri Abbas from long range in the first half.

Iraq always appeared a threat when attacking at speed, especially through dangerman Emad Mohammed, but although Adnan Hamd's side were the more disciplined outfit, Syria created the clearer opportunities.

Their two best chances came in the second half, first when target man Anas Ssari headed narrowly wide from a left-wing cross from Raghdan Shehada in the 58th minute, and secondly when substitute Ziad Shaabo blasted over from 10 yards when clean through on goal with 10 minutes left.

Iraq captain Haidar Mahmoud came close to extending his side's lead in the 84th minute when he headed just wide from another Abed Al Jabbar corner, but the best attempt was left for last.

The impressive Nashat Akram Ali, one of a group of fast-maturing youngsters who have been groomed by coach Adnan Hamd in the Under 16s and Under 19s, spotted Mohammad Bairouty off his line and his audacious 40-yard lob came down just inches over the crossbar as the Syria goalkeeper was desperately backtracking.

Syria coach Ahmed Shaar was disappointed with the result, but was already looking forward to his side's clash with Jordan on Thursday.

"Hopefully in the next match we will play better," said the Al Jaish (Army Club) coach, who has only held the post for 10 days following the resignation of Iranian coach Jalal Talebi.