Jordan coach Ray Wilkins believes his team cannot afford to lose their Group D opener against Iraq if they are to return to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
Japan are expected to win the section, with Palestine making up the numbers, thus highlighting the importance of the Iraq game.
Wilkins said: “We could live with a draw. But then we have to score a lot of goals in our remaining games and that will be a big problem for us.
“Ideally we would like to win, but to not be defeated is important as well.
“In any tournament – and I’ve been fortunate to play in a few of them myself – the first game is of the utmost importance. Japan are obviously the strongest team in the group but nevertheless, it’s 11 guys against 11 guys so every game will be extremely tough but the first game is very important.”
The former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder has only been in charge since September and has yet to lead Jordan to a win ahead of the nation’s third Asian Cup appearance. They reached the quarter-finals in 2004 and 2011.
Today’s game will be Jordan’s first competitive match under Wilkins, who seems to have no illusions about the task he is facing. His contract is up at the end of the tournament but the former England international wants to extend the relationship after what will hopefully be a productive Asian Cup.
“I think we’re in a tough group. Every game will be extremely difficult but we are prepared to start our campaign,” he said.
“I’m not overly concerned because we’ve improved. If we don’t go through, it won’t be for a lack of trying. If we do get out of the group, we’re going to be a problem for some teams in the tournament.”
