Iraq secured their spot in the knockout stages of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup with a 2-1 victory over Japan in the second round of Group E matches at Education City Stadium on Friday, thanks to two first-half goals from Ayman Hussein. Hussein’s headers, scored within the opening five minutes, propelled Jesus Casas’ team to success in a first half dominated by an energetic Iraqi side, reminiscent of their historic 2007 AFC Asian Cup-winning team. Iraq’s triumph saw the Mesopotamian Lions end Japan’s 11-match winning run in all competitions, which saw the Samurai Blue claim the scalps of Germany, Tur…