Reigning champions Iraq were licking their wounds on Wednesday after going down 2-1 to great rivals Iran at the Asian Cup despite taking an early lead and having the better of the opening exchanges. Iraq's German coach Wolfgang Sidka did his best not to look too downbeat after the loss late Tuesday and attempted to suggest defeat by Iran was no different to losing any other match.
Fans in the war-torn but football-mad country might beg to differ. With war raging back home, Iraq defeated Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the final in 2007 to lift the Asian Cup against all expectations, making headlines world-wide. But there is a general feeling that the team peaked then and they find themselves after the first game bottom of a highly competitive Group D that also includes North Korea and the United Arab Emirates. They drew 0-0, also on Tuesday. Iraq face the UAE - considered the weakest team of the group ahead of the tournament - on Saturday. Another defeat for Iraq would leave them in serious trouble.