DOHA: Iraq’s Nashat Akram said he hopes the injury-time winner against the United Arab Emirates that put his side within touching distance of the Asian Cup last eight would bring happiness to the football-mad country.
The star midfielder, a key member of the side that won the tournament four years ago as war raged back home, also denied there was any disharmony among the players.
“I feel so proud because I love my country and I was able to help to bring some happiness to our people who are watching us and wanting us to win the game,” said the former FC Twente player.
Iraq celebrated wildly at the final whistle after Saturday’s victory – courtesy of an own goal – that means they are in prime position to reach the knockout stages again. They face North Korea in their last group match on Wednesday.
“We were lucky at the end but we were unlucky earlier in the game because we missed a number of chances including one of my efforts which hit the post,” said a beaming Akram, 26. “We had no choice but to try to win because we are the defending champions and we had to get three points and then another three points in our next game to guarantee our place in the next round.”
He denied media reports that there were problems among the players in Wolfgang Sidka’s team.
The German himself has been criticised by Iraqi journalists for his team selection.
Reporters at the post-match press conference also said the team was not as cohesive as four years ago, something Sidka disagreed with.
“We had a hard time because we are the champions and we lost the first game against Iran,” said Akram.
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