This match caused controversy as the referee, Edwin Picon-Ackong, blew the whistle for half time a split-second before Iraq striker Ahmed Radhi's header hit the back of the net, and the goal was ruled out. Picon-Ackong received a lot of criticism for blowing the whistle when Iraq had such a big goalscoring opportunity.[1]
This match caused controversy as referee Jesús Díaz gave a yellow card to Iraq's Basil Gorgis in a case of mistaken identity (the yellow was supposed to be given to Ghanim Oraibi) while the score was 2–0 to Belgium. Gorgis sarcastically applauded Díaz's incorrect decision which led to Gorgis getting sent off and Iraq lost 2–1.[2]
There are seven players who have been fielded on all three occasions. Five of them have played every single minute, while Abdul-Rahim Hamed Aufi has come on as a substitute every single time, replacing fellow record holder Hashim in the last match.
1 Considered a successor team by FIFA, or have competed under another name(s). 2 Have been member of multiple confederations. 3 Team and national federation no longer exist.
Mexico
Paraguay
Belgium
Iraq
