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Qatar defeats Iraq for soccer gold medal

Hosts Qatar ended the Asian Games in style here on Friday, collecting the last title on offer by beating Iraq 1-0 in the final of the men's soccer.

A scrappy 63rd minute goal by Bilal Mohammed Rajeb settled the match, allowing Qatar to become only the second Arab country to lift the title. Iraq won it in 1982.

Qatari midfielder Wesam Abdulmajid said it was a dream come true.

"Finally we reached our goal and we obtained the gold medal," the 25-year-old said.

Iraqi captain Ali Rehema said that gold would have been nice, but given the team's disrupted preparation for the tournament in his war-torn country, it was still quite an achievement.

"We played well in the match and we have made a great effort during this tournament," he said.

Qatar finally got the goal their overall dominance merited in the 63rd minute as Majdi Abdulla's Sidiq's corner was flicked on at the near post by Abdulmajid, then struck the Iraqi keeper on the side of his head before going in.
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