Singapore headed home to play Iraq in Singapore. However, it was Iraq who were more keen to right their wrong of losing their group opener. Iraq pounded through Singapore's defense and applied physical challenges throughout the match, but nothing came of their determination in the first period, which ended scoreless.In the second period, Iraq took a well-deserved lead within five minutes of the restart. Singapore, in the search for an equalizer, felt they had a legitimate appeal for a penalty, but were turned down as they had been four days prior in China. Iraq continued to apply offensive pressure and fouling tactics, leading to three separate dust-ups with Singapore, including one in stoppage time just five minutes after star striker Younis Mahmoud had clinched the match with a chip goal. Iraq wins 2-0 to put Singapore's back firmly against the proverbial wall.
Jordan looked to grab the group lead with a positive result at home to China in Amman. However, it was China that began the match on the right foot. China earned 70% of the possession in the first half, but were fruitless in front of the net, allowing Jordan to escape to the break scoreless.
Jordan kindly repaid the kindness of their visitors by scoring twice within the first ten minutes of the restart. China did not fold, and responded with a goal kicked through a defensive wall just two minutes after Jordan had found their second. With more than a half hour remaining, Jordan were not in any mood to declare the match won. However, a fine final third of the match allowed Jordan to win the match 2-1 and take control of a hotly contested Group A.
Jordan 6 pts +3
China 3 pts 0
Iraq 3 pts 0
Singapore 0 pts -3
Goals:
Iraq
Alaa Abdul Zahra 49
Younis Mahmoud 86
Jordan
Baha Suleiman 49
Amer Deeb 54
China
Hao Junmin 56
Match Reports:
Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kdWuFQCPqg (Iraq v. Singapore)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxL1CBo6XSs (Jordan v. China)
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