January 28 – Iraq head coach Jesus Casas erupted after his commitment to the team was questioned during the press conference for Iraq’s Round of 16 clash with Jordan tomorrow afternoon.
Casas was criticised for featuring on Spanish news whilst his side were competing in the Asian Cup, including high-profile interviews with Marca and Spanish Radio days before his side faced crucial fixtures versus Indonesia and Japan. Iraq were one of the few teams to collect nine points in the Group stages.
“What happened? I think we won three matches. Right? So if we don’t win tomorrow, people will say ‘it’s because Casas was worrying about TV’. I think these people are very stupid and just want to hurt the national team or the country of Iraq. I have lots of other interviews before matches, so what is the problem?” the Spaniard snapped.
As the mood cooled inside the conference room, Casas spoke of his round of 16 opponent, who progressed as one of the strongest third-placed teams in the tournament with four points.
“We are very similar sides, Jordan is a very good team and it won’t be easy. We can win any match in this tournament, but it doesn’t just depend on us. We need to give 200% in our next matches.”
“Any team could win any match. Just look at the World Cup 2022 where Saudi beat Argentina, anything can happen in football.”
Iraq secured a headline result after putting favourites Japan to the sword in an unexpected victory early on in the tournament, which sent a statement of intent to other big teams in the competition.
“We try to be offensive, to have the ball under control, to make a lot of chances. We won’t change our style of play but during the match that can change. Against Japan we tried to be offensive but in the second half Japan were very offensive so we had to change our style.
“Our style for the next match is very clear: we want to attack,” said Casas.
“It was amazing when we beat Japan, but it was only one match. To win the cup we need four great matches, which isn’t easy. We have the facilities to win the cup but I think Japan, South Korea, Iran, Saudi, Qatar and Australia have very strong teams. We fight to win the tournament and we know anything can happen.
“So far, we are very happy with our performance. Tomorrow we have a very hard match against a very good team. One red card or penalty can change our whole tournament.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1727025534labto1727025534ofdlr1727025534owedi1727025534sni@g1727025534niwe.1727025534yrrah1727025534
