Lucky to have won against Jordan: Iraq's Kasim

After securing a 1-0 victory over Jordan in the Asian Cup football tournament Monday, Iraq's goal-scorer Yaser Safa Kasim has acknowledged that luck played a role in his match-winning strike.

Iraq, the winner of 2007 Asian Cup, were held to a scoreless first half by Jordan during their opener, Kasim broke the deadlock in the 78th minute as his shot deflected off a Jordan defender and into the net, reports Xinhua.

"I'm a midfielder so I always look for the pass, but as I got into the box I had a good first touch and I was looking to go down the line," Kasim said.

"But he obviously showed me a bit too much on the inside and, I was going far post, but luckily it got a deflection," he added.

"The Jordanian team were very strong, but our players did their job today and we have gained three points," said Iraq coach Radhi Shenaishil.

Iraq lost three games in qualification for the Asian Cup, more than any other team entering the tournament's final group stage.

And the goal is the second international strike for the 23-year-old Kasim, who is expected to be a successor to Iraqi talismanic forward Younis Mahmood.

Iraq will face four-time Asian Cup winner Japan in second match of the group phase.