Qatar beat Iraq in penalty shoot-out to make AFC U-19 Championship
DOHA, November 9, 2017 - Midfielder Nasser Alahrak saved the thrilling game-winning penalty as Qatar booked a place in the 2018 AFC U-19 Championship in Indonesia defeating Iraq 3-2 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out at the Al Arabi Stadium here on Wednesday.
With both teams tied at 1-1 after normal time and level on points and goals in Group C, a shoot-out was needed to decide the winner.
Shehab produced two stunning saves from the spot but was surprisingly shown a second yellow after saving his second penalty. Nasser stepped in goal and produced a stunning save with his right leg from Iraq's Muntadher Mohammed to send the crowd into wild celebrations. Iraq also qualify as one of the best five runners-up.
Iraq dominated early proceedings and Qatar goalie Shehab Mamdouh had a jittery start, making hard work of simple catches. Iraq dominated and almost went ahead Qatar failed to deal with a corner kick which fell to Saif Halid whose right foot volley cannoned off the cross bar. The hosts finally opened up the Iraqi defence as striker Abdulrasheed Umaru beat his marker with pace only for Nasser Alahrak to see his shot blocked.
Despite Iraq's attack, Qatar took the lead on the stroke of half time through Abdulla Nasser. With two minutes added time, the home side won a freekick just outside the box. Mohammed Waad's shot from the set-piece was deflected into the path of Umaru who crossed in for an easy tap in by the onrushing Abdulla Nasser.
Iraq began the second half in search for an equaliser which they finally drew level from the spot as goalkeeper Shehab Mamdouh brought down Mohammed Dawood in the box. The referee pointed to the spot and Shehab got a yellow card for his troubles. Dawood slotted home despite Shehab guessing the right way.
The young Maroons had a chance to win in it in regular time but Umaru missed perhaps the best opportunity of the night. The young striker latched on to a loose ball fumbled by Iraq's Ali Jabbar, but his first touch took him wide off the post and Jabbar recovered quick enough to parry out to safety.
At the final whistle, both coaches picked their spot kick takers and Iraq won the toss to go first. Shehab saved the first penalty from Mundather Abdulsada to give Qatar the edge. The next four kicks were tucked in nicely until Khaled Mohd missed the third for the hosts.
Mohd Jalil failed to score for Iraq from the spot and Qatar had a chance to win. Shehab saved but the referee spotted the young goalie out of the line, flashing a second yellow for protesting. Nasser stepped stepped in goal and produced a brilliant save to win the game.
On Nasser's penalty heroics, Qatar coach Bruno Miguel said,"With players, you have to let them feel the rhythm and Nasser was in the flow of the game. He insisted he was ready to be in goal and he came up with a big save for us."
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