Iraq crowned as Asian Cup soccer champions

Iraq win first-ever Asian Cup title.  Skipper Mahmoud headed home in the 71st-minute off a corner for the only goal in the fiercely-contested all-Arab final over the three-time champion Saudis Arabia at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

The stadium exploded with huge roar.  This was matched by wildly celebrating supporters back in their war-ravaged hometown where Iraqis risked their lives to rejoice the unifying triumph of their national football team.

Mahmoud became the tournament joint top scorer with four goals.  He shared the honor with Saudi Arabia’s Yasser Al Qhatani and Japan’s Naohiro Takahara.

Back in Baghdad, thousands of Iraqis celebrated their soccer team Asian Cup success with a barrage of gunfire, defying a strict government ceasefire order.