Iraq national team coach Graham Arnold affirmed during the press conference ahead of Friday’s match against Jordan that his team is fully prepared for the showdown.
Speaking at Thursday’s press briefing, Arnold stated that he has selected 11 players and confirmed that star striker Mimi will be fit for the match, as his injury is not serious.
He acknowledged that Jordan is a strong team with its own unique dynamics but emphasized Iraq’s readiness for the encounter. He noted that their previous match against Algeria was challenging due to a red card and injuries, which affected the game’s conditions.
Arnold expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to deliver a strong performance against Jordan and stressed their determination to win. He also highlighted the psychological and physical preparations, saying the players are in top shape and the team atmosphere is ideal.
He added that the match against Jordan will be very tough, especially since Jordan has qualified for the World Cup and boasts a talented roster.
Reflecting on Iraq’s performance in the Arab Cup so far, Arnold said he was pleased with the results achieved using local players, having met the team’s objectives in the three matches played. He expressed satisfaction with reaching the quarterfinals and affirmed that the next goal is to win and advance to the semifinals.
Arnold described the upcoming match as a crucial test and praised the tournament’s organization, facilities, and fan attendance. He sees the competition as a valuable opportunity to assess Iraqi players ahead of future commitments.
He concluded by acknowledging the challenges posed by injuries and suspensions but affirmed that the team will give its all to overcome them and secure a positive result.