Ukraine started the brighter of the two teams with Maksym Khlan’s pace on the right being a major threat for Iraq, creating a couple of shooting opportunities for the Europeans.

Iraq goalkeeper Hussein Hasan was called into action in the 13th minute to push away Mykola Mykhailenko’s curling effort as the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ third placed finishers were forced on the back foot.

As the opening half progressed, Iraq did settle down and were able to advance higher up the pitch but the best chances still fell Ukraine’s way.

Khlan, however, was unable to finish off a great run from teammate Maksym Braharu when Hasan was already beaten with the Iraqi then doing well to save a stinging shot from Illia Krupskyi in the 40th minute to keep his side level at the break.

Ukraine continued to press in the second half and broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute after Arsenii Batahov’s header was palmed by Hasan onto the path of Valentyn Rubchynskyi who put away the rebound.

An undeterred Iraq fought back to draw level just four minutes later when Aymen Hussein stepped up to convert a penalty after he drew a foul from Maksym Talovierov.

Sensing the tide had turned for his team, head coach Radhi Shenaishil made attacking changes by sending on Jasim and Nihad Mohamed.

It was a decision that paid off in the 75th minute as Jasim received the ball on the left, cut inside and beat two defenders before slamming the ball past Kiril Fesiun.

Iraq will next take on Argentina on Saturday where they will aim to boost their knockout stage hopes.