The Iraqi national team got off to a winning start in their Asian Cup opener on Monday, and Columbus Crew SC winger Justin Meram had a role in securing the result.
Meram came off the bench and played a little more than half-an-hour to help Iraq secure a 1-0 victory over Jordan in their Group D contest at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia. Iraq jumped out in front via a superb strike from Yaser Kasim in the 77th minute, and the 26-year-old Meram helped ensure they would grab all three points with his 33-minute shift.
The appearance was the Columbus Crew SC attacker's latest for Iraq. Meram made his debut for the Lions of Mesopotamia last November, and has been a regular call-up ever since.
Iraq are currently in 2nd place in the Asian Cup's Group D, level on points with Japan but with an inferior goal differential.
New York Red Bulls forward Tim Cahill and his Australian side are back in action in Group A on Tuesday when they take on Oman (4 am ET, One World Sports).
