Iran and Iraq football rivalry goes to 53 years back . The two neighboring nations played their first match in Amjadiah , Tehran in June 1962 while their last meeting was a friendly less than 3 weeks ago in Australia just ahead of the AFC Asian Cup. The two countries met in the AFC Asian Cup five times , Iran winning 4 of them while Iraq has a solitary win in Asian Cup 1996 held in the UAE.
Iraq current coach , Radhi Shnaishal Swadi who is on a temporary loan assignment from Qatar club , has played against Iran last time they won an official match in AFC Asian Cup 1996. He also played against Iran in a World Cup qualifier in 1993 , where Iran won 2-1
The percentage of results: Iran wins = 64% - Draws 20% Iraq wins 16%
Last Iraq win = 11 years ago (1-0 win in LG Cup in Azadi on 18.Oct.2003
Last win for Iraq in official competition = 19 years ago 2-1 win in Dubai AFC Asian Cup 1996
Iran clearly holds a superior record against the Iraqi team and that is psychological advantage that could make a difference on Friday.
2004 Iran vs Iraq WAFF semi finals
