Iraq raced off the blocks in a lively start at the Basra International Stadium as they kept Vietnam under constant pressure.

The West Asian side took the lead in stunning fashion in the 12th minute with Hussein Ali Haidar scoring with a thunderous long-range effort which swiveled past Vietnam keeper Nguyen Filip.

Vietnam continued to live dangerously and conceded a penalty in the 17th minute following Filip’s careless challenge but Mohanad Ali pulled his effort wide.

Limited to counter-attacks, Vietnam’s best effort was from Nguyen Tien Linh but he sent his shot from distance wide.

Both sides wasted opportunities towards the end of the half with Vu Van Thanh missing the target from inside the box, while Ali struck a glancing header forcing Filip into a fine save.

Iraq continued their high pressing game in the second half with Ali threatening in the 50th minute before substitute Ibraheem Bayesh botched his effort from close range following Ali’s cross.

Vietnam were unlucky in the 61st minute when substitute Do Hung Dung sent his curling effort from a set-piece inches wide off the right post.

Iraq, however, continued to have the better chances and Ali Jasim etched his name on the scoresheet in the 71st minute when he found space at the top of the box to strike the ball which took a deflection before settling into the back of the net.

Vietnam pulled one back in the 85th minute when a lapse in concentration allowed Pham Tuan Hai to volley home past a diving Iraq keeper Jalal Hassan but Iraq had the final say as Aymen Hussein struck their third in added time to cap a fine campaign.