Semi-finals set for 2016 AFC U-23 Championship

PFDC – DOHA, Extra time was needed today to decide the battle between UAE and Iraq while the South Koreans held off a furious charge from Jordan.

South Korea v Jordan – Suheim Bin Hammad Stadium, Doha

No surprise that the South Koreans have been in good form thus far but this tournament has shown us that no win will come easy.

Within the first ten minutes, a cross by Lee Seul-chan from the right was headed by Kwon Chang-hoon but his header went wide.

South Korea’s pressure paid off in the 23rd minute when a cross from the left by Kwon Chang-hoon created problems for the Jordanian defense. As the low curling shot made its way into the penalty area center back Amer Abu-Hudaib could not get his foot on the ball. Next Omar Al-Manasrah had the opportunity to settle the ball or clear it but he misjudged it and instead the ball went right to Ryu Seung-woo who then made a quick pass that was scored by Moon Chang-jin.

Later in the first half the Jordanians had a chance to equalize but Ehsan Haddad’s attempt from inside the penalty area hit the side netting.

Jordan refused to give up and kept the South Koreans under constant pressure in the second half.

A cross from the right side went to an unmarked Ahmad Hisham in the South Korean penalty area but he sliced his left-footed shot high and wide.

In the 68th minute, a cross into the penalty area from the right was met with a bicycle kick by Haddad which resulted in the ball being headed in by Baha’ Faisal. For a moment the Jordanians thought they had equalized but the goal was disallowed for offside.

The Jordanians were disappointed at the final whistle but they put up an excellent effort against a very talented South Korean squad.

South Korea will face hosts Qatar in the semi-finals on Tuesday.

United Arab Emirates v Iraq – Grand Hamad Stadium, Doha

After a scoreless first half, it seemed as though this could have been a long match headed for penalties.

In the 75th minute, UAE captain Abdulla Al-Naqbi sent a pass to Mohamed Al-Akberi, who then sent in a low cross into the six yard box that was intended for Yousif Saeed. Iraqi defender Alaa Mhawi got his foot on the ball instead and it went between the legs of keeper Fahad Talib to give UAE a 1-0 advantage.

Surprisingly, it only Iraq two minutes to equalize. A long ball and flick header into the UAE penalty area found its way to midfielder Mohamad Surour who attempted to clear the ball quickly. UAE keeper Ahmad Shambih had also come off his line to try and retrieve the ball but Surour did not get a lot of power on his clearance and the ball went right to Ali Hisny, who shot into an empty net. Hisny was definitely in the right place at the right time as this ended up being a crucial mistake for UAE.

Two minutes before the end of the first half of extra time, a header from Iraqi midfielder Amjad Attwan Kadhim found an onside Mohannad Abdul-Raheem. Mohannad, the former AFC Youth Player of the Year, fired a high left-footed shot that beat UAE keeper Shambih at the near side to give Iraq the lead 2-1.

UAE knew they had to throw everyone forward but nothing came of it. Iraq put on the finishing touches when Mohannad made a nice move to evade one defender and found Kadhim who the rounded a charging Shambih and scored to give Iraq a huge 3-1 victory.

The reaction of the Emirati players said it all because they knew they had the Iraqis right where they wanted them after taking a 1-0 lead. Football is a great sport but it can also be a cruel sport at the same time.

Iraq, the defending champions, move on to the semi-finals to face Japan; the team they beat in the quarterfinals of the 2013 AFC U-22 Championship.

Semi-finals Schedule for January 26

Japan v Iraq
Qatar v South Korea

Image courtesy of the-afc.com