Iraq coach: 'Vietnam is a tough opponent'

Qatar coach Jesus Casas admitted that Iraq had difficulties in the 3-2 win over Vietnam in the final round of Group D of the 2023 Asian Cup on the evening of January 24.

"We made many changes after achieving our goals in the first two matches, which is normal," coach Casas said at a press conference after the match at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. "The match against Vietnam was very difficult, especially in the first half when the opponent defended well. We controlled the ball a lot but did not create many opportunities. Many players today were playing for the first time so they were a bit nervous when entering the match."

Coach Casas at the press conference after the match against Vietnam, at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Qatar. Photo: Lam Thoa

Although they were certain to advance to the next round as Group D winners, coach Jesus Casas and his players still set the goal of defeating Vietnam in the final round to complete the group stage. However, replacing eight players from the starting lineup in the previous round meant Iraq barely created any chances in the first 45 minutes. It was not until the second half, when they brought in key players, that Iraq turned the tables and won 3-2 from a 0-1 deficit.

"We changed a lot in the second half after falling behind and got the results," the Iraqi coach added. "Based on the situation and the opponent, I made different adjustments in tactics and personnel. Vietnam was not easy to play and made us work hard to win."

Casas's players let Vietnam take the lead when Bui Hoang Viet Anh scored in the 42nd minute. However, Iraq had the advantage in numbers when Khuat Van Khang received two yellow cards and was sent off in the fourth minute of injury time in the first half. In the second half, the 2007 champions scored two goals from aerial duels in the 48th and 73rd minutes, from headers by centre-back Rebin and striker Aymen Hussein.

Iraq had a chance to double the lead but Aymen missed a penalty in the 83rd minute. They then almost dropped three points when Nguyen Quang Hai equalized in the first minute of injury time. It was not until the 12th minute of injury time that captain Aymen completed his double, scoring a successful penalty to help Iraq win 3-2. The Iraqi coach said that he still let Aymen take the second penalty after missing the first, because he saw that the captain had not lost confidence, had a desire to score and had good penalty kicking skills.

The last-gasp win also helped the Spanish coach see what needs to be improved in Iraq. "What happened shows that every match is difficult," Mr Casas said. "We have to be focused against every opponent, defend well, press better and try to score more goals. It is not always easy."

Main developments of the Iraq - Vietnam match on January 24.

Vietnam left the Asian Cup with four goals and no points, finishing bottom of the group. Meanwhile, this result helped Iraq win all three matches in the Asian Cup group stage, leading Group D. This result is much better than the group stage in 2007 - the year Iraq won the Asian Cup, but coach Canas is very cautious when talking about the possibility of going deep.

"We need to try every game," he said. "Of course, you always dream of winning the championship. We are not rated as highly as other candidates, but hopefully Iraq can be successful in this tournament."

Regarding the possibility of winning the Asian Cup, coach Canas rated the four teams South Korea, Japan, Iran and Australia as the most promising candidates, followed by Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and then Iraq. In the round of 16, Iraq will face the third-placed team in Group E or F, most likely Bahrain or Oman. "Every opponent is difficult, just one mistake can cost you dearly," said Mr. Canas.

Lam Thoa

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