Saudi Arabia were the pre-match favourites. But Iraq had gone against all odds to clinch their first-ever Asian Cup victory. Your thoughts on their victory?
Iraq deserved to win the Asian Cup. The players had worked very hard throughout the tournament.
And it's a wonderful fairy-tale ending they've earned with their effort.
I thought Iraq's aggressive play was effective. The players took the game to their more illustrious opponents. And, Iraq's astute backline prevented the Saudi attackers room to roam.
Saudi Arabia, however, were disappointing. I felt they were too showy, especially when they had possession of the ball.
The Saudi players were holding on to the ball - yet they were not passing well to create attacking chances.
Striker Malek Maaz was the hero of the semi-final win against Japan, scoring two goals. But against Iraq, he was the villain.
He's actually got an electrifying pace to beat defenders. But, the Al Ahli player couldn't conjure up a winning move because he was always losing possession.
Also, Saudi Arabia paid the price for their poor defending of set-pieces. It led to the only goal by Iraq's Younis Mahmoud in the 71st minute.
The Saudi backline failed to cover goalkeeper Yasser Al Mosailem who had come off his line.
That's how Saudi Arabia gift- wrapped Younes' winning goal.
The Asian Cup final featured two Brazilian coaches facing each other head-on tactically. Who showed more tactical awareness?
Both coaches are extremely experienced.
In terms of tactics, I felt Iraqi coach Jorvan Vieira triumphed over his countryman Helio Dos Anjos.
Saudi boss Anjos tweaked his tactics against Iraq. His players didn't play their usual counter-attacking game.
Instead, it appeared Anjos had instructed them to play a short-passing game. Iraq were more attack-oriented.
Anjos' tactics backfired because Iraq knew what to expect from the Saudis.
It's clear as crystal Vieira has done his homework well. He packed the Iraqi midfield to cut Saudi Arabia's supply line.
Without the bullets from creative midfielders, their chief striker Yasser Al Qahtani was completely ineffective.
The majority of the Iraqi squad played together in the 2004 Olympics, finishing fourth in Athens. How is that important in their Asian success?
The Iraqi players are very close because they've played together for nearly three years.
In terms of team-bonding, there's no problems at all. You can see the players understand each other superbly.
Iraq have reaped their reward, after having the players train and play together.
The players have a common objective - to bring to their war-torn country honour and glory.
Whenever goalkeeper Nor Sabri made a good save, he was embraced by his defenders. And they always encouraged him when he took his goal-kick. That's what I call team-spirit.
Iraq's Jorvan Vieira is reportedly to be named the next coach of South Korea, after completing his present two-month contract. Will Iraq be able to cope without him?
Vieira is a good coach who has inspired his charges to Asian Cup glory.
He's done his best for Iraq. No doubt, the Iraqi players will miss his guidance and motivational instincts.
However, nobody is indispensable in management today. Vieira's got a better offer from South Korea.
And so he has to move on to greener pastures.
Who were the players who caught your eye in the final?
I thought that Iraq striker Younes Mahmoud was the best player on the field. He's done brilliantly throughout the Asian Cup.
And he showed everyone he's a prolific striker by scoring a beautiful goal. Younes is a dominant figure in aerial challenges.
He has had a successful campaign as Iraq's skipper.
Another player who has done well is midfielder Nashat Akram.
Even though he's only 23, Nashat is already an established player in the Iraqi national team.
He did plenty of the legwork last night - carrying the ball and distributing it to his team-mates.
Nashat has a telepathic understanding with Younes - creating two of his goals in the tournament.
All this just goes to show the Iraqis certainly have plenty of football talent.
