Iran defeats Iraq 2-1 in Asian Cup opener

DOHA, Qatar (AP): Midfielder Iman Mobali scored a late winner as Iran came from a goal down to beat archrival and defending champion Iraq 2-1 in its opening Group D match at the Asian Cup on Tuesday.

Iraq applied the early pressure and was rewarded in the 13th minute when striker Younis Mahmood headed home at the Al Rayyan stadium.

But Iran striker Gholam Reza Rezai scored an equalizer four minutes before the break and Mobali found the net with a free kick in the 84th minute after a foul by Iraq defender Samal Saeed.

It was a close, fast-paced match between the two Gulf neighbors, who have met five times in the Asian Cup.