German flavor as Iraq meet Australia
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Iraq's German coach, Wolfgang Sidka, will face compatriot Holger Osieck in the Asian Cup quarter-finals after the reigning champion dispensed a toothless Democratic People's Republic of Korea to set up a date with Australia.
Midfielder Kerrar Jasim, one of three changes made by Sidka after the 2007 champion labored to a 1-0 defeat of United Arab Emirates in its previous game, secured Iraq's progress to the last eight at the DPRK's expense.
Jasim scored on 22 minutes in what turned out to be the winner on Wednesday evening after striker Mustafa Kareem -another of Sidka's changes - let loose from distance, goalkeeper Ri Myong-guk palming the ball straight into Jasim's path.
The goal put Iraq through and sent the unambitious Koreans out, with the holders now facing Australia on Saturday for a place in the semifinals.
Sidka, a former Werder Bremen player, smiled at the prospect of two Germans in the last eight of Asia's premier competition.
"I know him very well, we know each other well. It's two German coaches against each other, though both of us would prefer to play against each other later in the tournament," he said.
He refused to be drawn on Australia's strengths or weaknesses: "I prefer to talk about my team," he said.
But the Socceroos will likely have revenge on their minds.
Iraq sprang a major shock in seeing off the Australians 3-1 in the group stages four years ago, setting the war-weary nation on the way to becoming eventual champion and making headlines worldwide.
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