This is a match for which I would like to start with historic animosity and dont be fooled by the comments of the Iraqi coach when he said that it is not a war its just another football game and his team will do the busniess as usual. Although second part of the comment is worth repeating. right ?
Anyway when we get into the preview we have to mention that these two nations are arch rivals and talk of sport being used as help build bridges between two nations it wont be like that.
First time when both teams met was back in 1972 in Thialan Asian Cup and it was Iran who won the match by 2-0. Their next meeting came 20 years later in the UAE, with Iraq coming out as 2-1 winners. after that In the 2000 Asian Cup which was held in Lebanon Iran won it by 1-0.
So it will be interesting to see how both teams go about in this one. You can watch the live action of this match here, While full match highlights will be placed here shorlty before it all starts.
IRAQ vs IRAN ASIAN CUP 2011 LIVE & HIGHLIGHTS:
Date: 11 January 2011 - Time: 4:15 PM GMT
Match Result and Video Highlights
[ Iraq 1-2 Iran ]
13' [1 - 0] E.M. Ridha
41' [1 - 1]
84' [1 - 2]