Doha // Iraq secured a place in the Asian Cup quarter-finals as Kerrar Jasim's first-half goal edged out North Korea at Al Rayyan Stadium.
In a largely uninspiring Group D clash, Jasim's opportunist strike after 22 minutes proved the difference as the North Koreans exited the tournament without finding the back of the net. Iraq needed just a point to confirm their passage into the last eight and Mustafa Kareem went close to breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute when he met Mahdi Kareem's corner with a powerful downward header but was unfortunate to see the ball bounce up and hit the underside of the bar with goalkeeper Ri Myong-guk beaten.
It proved only temporary respite for the North Koreans, however, as Iraq took the lead five minutes later. Ri could only parry Mustafa Kareem's swerving effort from 25 yards and Jasim was quickest to react and slid the loose ball home.
Jong Tae-se saw a free-kick from distance held by goalkeeper Mohammed Kassid before Kareem could have added to Iraq's advantage eight minutes before the break but the forward volleyed Jasim's cross well wide from six yards.
Ryang Yong-gi tested Kassid as the second half got under way while Jasim's shot whistled just over the bar at the other end.
Clear chances were at a premium, however, and although North Korea showed more attacking intent, they were unable to seriously threaten as the goals they needed to keep alive their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage eluded them.
Jong forced Kassid into a smart save and Hong saw a goalbound shot deflected wide as Iraq maintained their advantage to reach the last eight and set up a clash with Australia.
* Associated Press
Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Most%20polluted%20cities%20in%20the%20Middle%20East
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MOST%20POLLUTED%20COUNTRIES%20IN%20THE%20WORLD
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HIV on the rise in the region
A 2019 United Nations special analysis on Aids reveals 37 per cent of new HIV infections in the Mena region are from people injecting drugs.
New HIV infections have also risen by 29 per cent in western Europe and Asia, and by 7 per cent in Latin America, but declined elsewhere.
Egypt has shown the highest increase in recorded cases of HIV since 2010, up by 196 per cent.
Access to HIV testing, treatment and care in the region is well below the global average.
Few statistics have been published on the number of cases in the UAE, although a UNAIDS report said 1.5 per cent of the prison population has the virus.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
More on animal trafficking
Honeymoonish
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Elie%20El%20Samaan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENour%20Al%20Ghandour%2C%20Mahmoud%20Boushahri%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
LA LIGA FIXTURES
Friday Celta Vigo v Villarreal (midnight kick-off UAE)
Saturday Sevilla v Real Sociedad (4pm), Atletico Madrid v Athletic Bilbao (7.15pm), Granada v Barcelona (9.30pm), Osasuna v Real Madrid (midnight)
Sunday Levante v Eibar (4pm), Cadiz v Alaves (7.15pm), Elche v Getafe (9.30pm), Real Valladolid v Valencia (midnight)
Monday Huesca v Real Betis (midnight)
'Operation Mincemeat'
Director: John Madden
Cast: Colin Firth, Matthew Macfayden, Kelly Macdonald and Penelope Wilton
Rating: 4/5