Iraq deserved more says Sidka

AFC – DOHA, Iraq coach Wolfgang Sidka believes the defending champions more than matched rivals Iran despite losing 2-1 in what he described as one of the most exciting matches at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011™ so far.

Younus Mahmoud had given Iraq the lead after 13 minutes at Al Rayyan Stadium but Gholam Reza Rezaei levelled just before the break and Iman Mobali claimed a late winner six minutes from full time.

The Group D match had been one of the most eagerly anticipated of the tournament and it did not disappoint, with Sidka praising the enthusiasm and fighting spirit displayed by both sets of players.

“It was as expected a tough match from two teams,” said the German coach.

“The game was one of the toughest and most exciting matches here and there was a lot of fighting spirit shown in the game.

“I think that Iran played very well and it was a match of the same level. We created some chances and for me it was a 50/50 game.

“However, what we missed today was ball retention and it was difficult to pass the ball around because Iran put pressure on us in the second half.”

Though he was pleased with the performance of his team on the whole, Sidka acknowledged that there is still room for improvement, particularly when dealing with set-pieces.

“It was a good end for Iran but the goal that we conceded was from an unnecessary foul and we knew before the match that they were dangerous from free kicks,” he added.

That foul had been given away by substitute Samer Saeed, who pulled on the shirt of Mohammad Reza Khalatbari and the Zob Ahan star took the free-kick from which Mobali scored the winner.

“It was always right to bring a fresh player on, whether on the right side or the left side,” added Sidka.

“Samer is fast and he was good on counter attacks and it was a 100 per cent good decision at that time (to bring him on).”

While the game was no doubt an enjoyable one for the neutral, Sidka was nevertheless disappointed to have not taken three points from their first game at the tournament, which leaves them with plenty of work to do if they are to reach the second round.

“The defeat is like losing against any other team and the most important thing is that we lost three points,” he added.”