Iraq U-20 Fully Prepared for Iran, Coach Says
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – As Iran and Iraq are going to face off in the quarterfinals of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2023 at JAR Stadium on Saturday, Iraq’s head coach Emad Mohammed spoke of mutual respect for the footballing traditions of the two nations.
The former Iraqi forward capped 103 times for his team and also spent six years of his career in the Iranian Pro League, helping Sepahan reach the 2007 AFC Champions League final.
These experiences gave Mohammed a certain respect to his Saturday opponent.
“Of course, we finished the first stage of the tournament and now we start the second, more difficult stage,” said Mohammed.
“We are fully prepared and have complete knowledge about the Iranian team based on their performances in previous games. We are here to challenge and for our young players to learn, but also we have huge ambitions to make it to the FIFA U-20 World Cup. So ultimately, I think that game will be 50-50,” he added.
“Personally, I have massive respect for Iranian football because I played there and I know the energy Iranian players have, especially when they play in the international competitions. I would say Iran is one of the top four teams in Asia alongside Japan, Australia and Korea Republic, but in this age group, everything is possible,” he stated.