Mixed emotions for Srecko Katanec after Iraq's spirited fightback in Asian Cup opener

The 2007 champions twice come from behind to beat Vietnam 3-2 in their Group D clash at Abu Dhabi

Vietnam's Nguyen Cong Phuong, No 10, in action against Iraq during their Asian Cup opener at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Iraq won 3-2. All photos by Pawan Singh / The National

Vietnam's Nguyen Quang Hai, in red, in action against Iraq during their Asian Cup opener at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Iraq won 3-2.

Hussein Al Saedi, No 16, of Iraq in action against Vietnam during their Asian Cup opener at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Iraq won 3-2.

Humam Faraj, No 11, of Iraq in action against Vietnam during their Asian Cup opener at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Iraq won 3-2.

Ali Adnan Kadhim, No 6, scores against Vietnam during their Asian Cup opener at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Iraq won 3-2.

Ali Adnan Kadhim, No 6, of Iraq celebrates with teammates after scoring against Vietnam during their Asian Cup opener at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Iraq won 3-2.

Iraq fans have a good time during their Asian Cup opener against Vietnam at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Iraq won 3-2.

Iraq fans have a good time during their Asian Cup opener against Vietnam at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Iraq won 3-2.

Vietnam fans came out in numbers during their Asian Cup opener against Iraq at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Iraq won 3-2.

Iraq fans outside Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi ahead of their Asian Cup opener against Vietnam. Iraq won 3-2.

Iraq fans outside Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi ahead of their Asian Cup opener against Vietnam. Iraq won 3-2.

Vietnam fans outside Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi ahead of their Asian Cup opener against Iraq. Iraq won 3-2.

Vietnam fans outside Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi ahead of their Asian Cup opener against Iraq. Iraq won 3-2.

Vietnam fans outside Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi ahead of their Asian Cup opener against Iraq. Iraq won 3-2.

Srecko Katanec left Zayed Sports City with mixed feelings as Iraq twice came from behind to beat Vietnam in their Asian Cup opener on Tuesday.

The former UAE manager, who took charge of Iraq just three months before the start of the continental competition, watched in horror as the 'Lions of Mesopotamia' conceded an own goal to trail 2-1 at half time.

But he was delighted with their second-half performance as they scored twice, including the winner less than a minute from time, to clinch the Group D encounter 3-2.

Ali Adnan Kadhim fired a free-kick over the wall and into the back of the net from 25 metres, his winner sparking wild celebrations among Iraqi fans at the stadium while leaving Vietnam's players and supporters heartbroken.

But Katanec felt bittersweet at the end of the game.

“We didn’t see that personality on the pitch,” he said about his side's first-half performance. “It may be because it was the first game and the players were nervous."

Indeed, few would have expected Iraq to win given that less than half-an-hour into the absorbing contest, the Vietnamese took the lead courtesy of an own goal.

Nguyen Quang Hai sent a through pass to Nguyen Trong Hoang but when Ali Faez Atiyah came between him and goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, the defender could only to knock the ball into his own net on 24 minutes.

Iraq levelled 11 minutes later after a defensive error from Vietnam centre-back Do Duy Manh left Mohanad Ali Khadim with only keeper Dang Van Lam to beat, which he did with ease finishing with a low shot.

Vietnam regained the lead three minutes before half-time when Nguyen Cong Phuong stabbed in a rebound after Jalal had blocked Quang Hai’s effort from inside the area.

Katanec's change in tactics bore fruit in the second half, as Iraq went on the offensive.

It took just one shot and two minutes on the pitch, after replacing Osama Jabbar, for Iraq midfielder Humam Faraj to slam a rebound into the roof of the net. Iraq's 60th-minute equaliser proved the catalyst as the tide swiftly turned in their favour.

“The second half was far better. We didn’t concede a goal and we created more scoring chances, and also we didn’t allow our opponent any chances,” Katanec said.

He conceded, however, that his players need to raise their game. "I know we have many things to improve. Hopefully, we can do that in our second game,” he said.

The Slovenian refused to take anything away from the Vietnamese, who were superb in the first half but came up short at the business end of the game.

“I wasn’t surprised by Vietnam’s performance,” Katanec said. “We have watched some of their matches and they are a very good side. They are young guys with a lot of speed and energy, and they run a lot.

“I expected a tough and difficult match and it turned out to be exactly what I anticipated."

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Park Hang-seo, his opposite number, also focused on the positives.

“It’s very hard to take this result when you lead twice and then lose in the last minute of the game," he said. "But I am very proud of my players.

"We already know Iraq are at a higher level than us. Had we got a point from this game, it could have been very useful for us.

"However, that didn’t happen. Iraq showed a very good performance on the night.

"They may have been lucky in the last part of the game but they deserved that victory. Hopefully, we can play better against Iran in the next game even though they are a much stronger opponent."

Vietnam face Iran, who beat Yemen on Monday, at Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi, while, Iraq face cup debutants Yemen in Sharjah. Both matches are on Saturday.