Cesar set up Sebastian Quintana to score the opening goal in the first minute, before netting the second himself midway through the second half to put his side second in Group One after two games.

After suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat in their opening game with Australia the hosts were in front after only 30 seconds when Cesar's cross found Quintana, who managed to flick the ball past goalkeeper Noor Sabri and into the far right corner of the net.

Iraq could have levelled six minutes later, but Hawar Mohammed's powerful free-kick went over the target from 25 yards.

But despite that one incident the first half was dominated by Qatar, who went close to doubling their lead after 26 minutes when Hussain Yasser's shot was blocked by Mahdi Karim and Marcone Amaral's follow up was turned out by Sabri for a corner.

Emad Mohammed forced a save out of Qatar goalkeeper Mohamed Saqr after 38 minutes, but the visitors had to wait until just after the hour mark for their next chance when Qusai Munir fired over from outside the area.

Then in the 67th minute Cesar put the result beyond doubt. Emerson fired in a powerful free-kick which was blocked by Iraq defender Ali Hussain Irhema, and Cesar picked up the loose ball and slotted into the net.

After the second goal the hosts sat back a little, but Iraq were still unable to find a breakthrough.

Saleh Sadir's shot from outside the area with five minutes to go was the closest they came, but the shot failed to trouble Saqr.