ABU DHABI, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- With a stoppage-time free-kick from Ali Adnan Kadhim, Iraq twice came from behind to pull off a thrilling 3-2 victory against Vietnam in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup on Tuesday.
Iraq, the 2007 Asian Cup champion, level on points in Group D with Iran which smashed Yemen 5-0 on Monday.
The only previous Asian Cup meeting between Iraq and Vietnam was the quarter-final of the 2007 edition where Iraq won 2-0. But Vietnam headed into the 2019 edition with an 18-game unbeaten run.
Making their first appearance at the tournament since 2007, Vietnam took the lead in the 36th minute when Iraq's defender Ali Faez knocked the ball into his own net. But Iraq levelled 10 minutes later as teenage striker Mohanad Ali beat two opponents to fire into the bottom-left corner.
Nguyen Cong Phuong restored Vietnam's lead three minutes before halftime, netting on the rebound in from close range after Nguyen Trong Huang's shot was blocked. Iraq came back again when substitute Humam Faraj slammed a rebound into the roof of the net in the 60th minute.
It seemed that a draw would be a fair result for both side. However, Nguyen Phong Hong Duy's foul in stoppage time gave Iraq the last chance. Adnan fired a brilliant left-foot free-kick to the top right corner, claiming a dramatic victory for the Team Melli.
