Dawood, Ridha stand out as Iraq collect first point in U17 World Cup

KOLKATA: For the sport’s first world, Iraq is a football outpost. Mohammed Dawood and skipper Mohammed Ridha came close to changing that perception.

Dawood scored in the 16th minute, making the most of space left by Mexico playing a high line and rounding off goalie Cesar Lopez.

It seemed like he had taken off from where he had left in the under-16 Asian championships in Goa last year where Iraq were crowned champions.

The Lions of Mesopotamia would have roared louder had the Iraq forward not gone wide, again after timing his run superbly to beat the off-side trap.

That was in the 32nd minute. Mexico simply couldn’t cope with Dawood’s pace and was evident in the 69th minute when he winged past the left-back before putting too much on the ball.

If there are scouts here or if they are watching this under-17 World Cup, surely Dawood would be on their radar.

Early in the second half, Ridha went past the Mexico goalie but couldn’t get enough power behind his final push and it was cleared by Carlos Robles.

Soon after, Mexico equalised. But that was in no small measure due to a missed clearance from Abdulabbas Ayad. It gave Roberto de la Rossa the opportunity he was looking for.

For the next few minutes, Mexico controlled the game and could have forged ahead too but Diego Lainez’s shot was kept out well by Iraq goalie Ali Ibadi.

Unlike the double header’s first match which England totally dominated, this was an even contest, one befitting of it being a clash between continental champions, with both teams going for goals.

Mexico have one of the best records in this competition but Iraq showed they were willing to walk coach Qahtan Chitheer’s pre-match talk. Mexico though gave back as good as they got. Till in the pouring rain, the teams started looking tired and the match became a scrappy affair.