Srecko Katanec has promised those watching back home that Iraq will not disappoint at the Asian Cup.
The nation will forever be entwined with one of the most stunning stories in the competition’s history, with their 2007 success coming in the midst of such strife in the country.
While Katanec cannot guarantee a repeat, the Slovenian is confident his players will do him proud in their Group D opener against Vietnam.
“I promise the Iraqi people to do with what everything we can on the field,” said Katanec, whose side also faces Iran and Yemen in the group stage. “I have so much trust in our players.
“I know very well that the Iraq people love football and have so much enthusiasm. I promise I’ll choose the perfect XI for the game.”
This is just Vietnam’s fourth appearance in the tournament but, having conceded 28 goals in their 10 prior Asian Cup games, they were more resilient in defence during their recent AFF Suzuki Cup triumph.
Vietnam only faced 7.5 shots per game on the way to that success, meaning Iraq may find it tricky to get into areas where they can let fly.
However, ruling the roost of southeast Asia is one thing, the whole continent another, and centre-back Ahmed Ibrahim is confident his side can pick apart the Vietnamese back line in Abu Dhabi.
“We have concentrated on videos of the Vietnamese team and we know their defensive faults,” said Ibrahim. “We will try and use our knowledge tomorrow to get the three points and have a good start. We respect Vietnam and we respect their ambitions, but we are in a good mindset to win this game.”
