Iraq's Kasim: Luck brings us victory at Asian Cup

After getting a 1-0 victory over Jordan on Monday, Iraq's scorer Yaser Safa Kasim acknowledged luck played a role in his brilliant individual goal.

The winner of 2007 Asian Cup played a scoreless first half against Jordan during their opener, Kasim broke the deadlock in the 78th minute as his shot deflected off a Jordan defender and into the net. It was the only goal in the game.

"I'm a midfielder so I always look for the pass, but as I got into the box I had a good first touch and I was looking to go down the line," Kasim said.

"But he obviously showed me a bit too much on the inside and, I was going far post, but luckily it got a deflection," he added.

"The Jordanian team were very strong, but our players did their job today and we have gained three points," said Iraq coach Radhi Shenaishil.

Iarq lost three games in qualification for the AFC Asian Cup, more than any other team entering the tournament's final group stage.

And the goal is the second international one for the 23-year-old Kasim, who is expected to be a successor to Iraqi talisman Younis Mahmood.

Iraq will face 4-time Asian Cup winner Japan in second round of the group phase. Endi