CNN Indonesia
Saturday, 30 Dec 2023 17:48 IWST
Iraq is optimistic that it can destroy Indonesia and Japan in the 2023 Asian Cup. (Doc. PSSI)
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Iraqi coach Saad Hafez believes his country can beat Japan in Asian Cup 2023 (2024).
Iraq is in Group D with the Indonesian National Team, Vietnam and Japan. Even though the team coached by Jesus Casas is facing a quality team, Hafez is confident that positive results can be achieved, especially against Japan.
“The Iraqi national team will show a good performance against Japan in the Asian Cup. I believe and am very optimistic. The Mesopotamian Lions squad can make history,” said Hafez, quoted by Iraqi media, Winwin.
Hafez believes that Iraq’s experience facing world-class teams is an important provision to face Japan. In this year’s test match, Iraq met Russia and Colombia, although both matches ended in defeat.
“Iraq national team coach Jesus Casas has made a defense as thick as steel against Colombia and Russia. Even though they lost, Iraq’s method of closing space with defensive formations will take the team to the knockout phase,” said Hafez.
Apart from optimism about Japan’s opponents, Iraq also highlighted other opponents, including Indonesia. Iraqi media, BNN Breaking, also highlighted the preparations of the Indonesian National Team at the Training Camp (TC) in Turkey.
“Without wasting any time, the team immediately held training on the Titanic Deluxe Golf Belek Hotel field in Antalya, Turkey. Players wearing red and white shirts were seen warming up, practicing passes, and holding light exercises to relieve fatigue after the long journey,” wrote BNN Breaking.
“The first training was dominated by physical recovery. This proves the players’ enthusiasm and commitment to training,” he continued BNN Breaking.
Iraq will start the 2023 Asian Cup against the Indonesian National Team at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, on January 15. After that, Iraq will face Japan on January 19 and then Vietnam on January 24.
Iraq has announced a list of 26 players who will compete in the 2023 Asian Cup. There is FC Utrecht star and former Manchester United player, Zidane Iqbal.
(ikw/rhr)
