Katanec: IR Iran will bring best out of Iraq

Sharjah: An upbeat Srecko Katanec is looking forward to facing Islamic Republic of Iran in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Group D decider following their comprehensive 3-0 win over Yemen on Saturday.

Iraq were made to sweat a little against Yemen in the opening minutes of the game but took control shortly before taking a comfortable 2-0 lead at half-time.

Although Katanec’s men found it hard to break down their opponents in the second half, the third goal eventually arrived late in the game and the Slovenian was pleased with his team’s performance.

“We played such a good game, I congratulated all the players, they did the job well. So now we know we are through (qualified for the knockout round) from this group.. and that is the most important thing,” said the 55-year-old.

“We still have a game to play against Iran. We played good football (against Yemen), we scored early and that was difficult for Yemen after being two goals down. We should have scored more but I’m very satisfied with my team’s performance.

“Maybe we could have scored more and played more aggressively in attack but you also must know how to play the game when you’re leading by two goals.”

 


Group E - Matchday Two: Yemen v Iraq

Mohanad Ali Kadhim put in an impressive display against Yemen, scoring the opener in the 11th minute. The forward has now scored two goals in the tournament after his early contribution against Vietnam steered Iraq to a 3-2 victory on Matchday One.

Katanec saved special praise for the youngster, who played as a lone striker up front, but also demanded a stronger performance from his players.

“Mohanad played a solid game today. He showed great character on the field. I know we can play better than this and we should play better if we want to win matches.”

Iraq will play Iran in their final Group D tie on Wednesday and Katanec said his team tends to play better football against stronger opponents.

“You can’t compare the match we had with Vietnam and against Yemen. Vietnam played very fluid football for the first 45 minutes and we came out on top. Against Yemen, were a little complacent and maybe that’s why we need to play a strong team, on paper, like Iran.

“Maybe I’ll give chances for the other players in the next game. We will see. I can’t say for sure what my tactics will be against Iran, maybe three at the back, four or even five.”

Yemen have now conceded eight goals in two games, having lost 5-0 to Iran in their opener.

Head coach Jan Kocian was left to rue losing their second game in a row, blaming it on a lack of exposure.

“When you repeat the same mistakes in the first and second game at this level in the Asian Cup against teams like Iran and Saudi, you don’t have a chance to win the game,” said Kocian, whose team will face Vietnam on Wednesday.

“Iraq scored very quick goals.. It was 1-0 and then it was two. In the second half we played much better after adjusting our midfield and this worked for us well.

“The third goal was hard on us. It was too much for my players to take. We tried our best to find our way back into the game, but three goals was just too much.

“Most of my players don’t have clubs to play, those that do play in the Yemen league and it’s a big difference to some of the Iran and Iraq players who play for top European clubs.”


Source: the-afc.com