Iraq Defeats Japan 2-1 in Asian Cup Upset

Aymen Hussein's double secures Iraq's first victory over Japan in 42 years, advancing them to the knockout stage.

Aymen Hussein scored both goals as Iraq defeated Japan 2-1, securing a place in the knockout stage of the Asian Cup.
This victory marks Iraq's first win over Japan in 42 years, propelling them to the top of Group D with six points from two games.
Japan's loss is their first group-stage defeat at the Asian Cup since 1988, setting them on a potential collision course with South Korea in the last 16.
Despite Japan's efforts to equalize, Iraq defended in numbers and doubled their lead in first-half added time.
Japan's Wataru Endo scored in the 93rd minute, but it was too late to prevent Japan's defeat.