Zico happy with first point

Iraq coach Zico said Sunday’s 1-1 draw in Jordan in their opening final round 2014 World Cup qualifier was a good result.

The visitors opened the scoring through Nashat Akram on 14 minutes, before the home side levelled just before the interval thanks to Ahmed Hayel’s strike.

“We knew that the match was going to be very hard and it was hard,” the Brazilian told reporters.

“The draw was not bad for us and we got a point from the first match while we were playing away.

“We created a lot of chances but we were unlucky. The formation was perfect as we managed to create a lot of chances and took the lead.”

Hayel’s equalising goal came when he pounced on a loose ball after Iraq goalkeeper Mohammed Kassid failed to hold on to Baha’a Abdulrahman’s long-range strike.

However Zico refused to blame his keeper, who made a superb late save to deny Thaer Al Bawab.

“The goal that we conceded was not the fault of the goalkeeper,” he said, before looking ahead to Iraq’s next game on June 12 at home to Oman.

“We have some days to rest and hopefully we can win against Oman,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jordan coach Adnan Hamad said he was satisfied with the result despite admitting they dropped two points.

“I’m satisfied with the result and with the performance of the players,” he told reporters.

“The draw is not bad as we got a point from the match.

“We dropped two points but we are still at the beginning of the campaign and the performances will improve from one match to another.”