When Qatar played Iraq last time they emerged as comfortable 3-0 winners eliminating the Lions of Mesopotamia from the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 in front of home fans at Al Bayt Stadium.
The teams are meeting for the first time since the Dec 6, 2021 match as they square off in the semi-final of the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup at 65000-capacity Basra International Stadium in Basra, Iraq on Monday.
Al Annabi – sans the seasoned trio of Almoez Ali, Akram Afif and Hassan Al Haydos who scored against Iraq at the Arab Cup – are aware it would be completely a different challenge against the hosts, who have been in fine form in front of home fans.
After playing a goalless draw against Oman in their opening match, Iraq recorded impressive victories over Saudi Arabia (2-0) and Yemen (5-0) to top Group A and strengthen their bid for the fourth title.
Qatar have rested several senior players for the Gulf Cup following their World Cup campaign, and the side coached by Bruno Pinheiro is banking on youngsters in quest for their fourth crown.
The Asian champions rode on an 88th minute equaliser by Tamim Mansour against the United Arab Emirates in their last Group B match, edging Kuwait on goal difference to reach the semi-finals after both the side finished on four points apiece.
Pinheiro was hoping his team would be ready for the challenging game after a “short” break following their grueling tie against the UAE on Friday.
“I focused on recovery of players as they made a great effort [against the UAE]. I am sure it will be a tough match against Iraq and the team that will avoid mistakes will win. We are confident of our readiness from tactical perspective,” Qatar coach said on Sunday.
“Iraq are a good team and they have great physical strength. The home support will benefit them and I am expecting a strong performance from them but we will be ready,” he added.
Pinheiro, however, said there will be no pressure of fans on his players.
“We will have to absorb pressure. The atmosphere will be fun and a good experience for our players especially the youngsters,” he said.
Sitting alongside the coach at the pre-match press conference, Qatar’s Homam Al Amin was confident of a good show against Iraq.
“We will give our best against a tough side which will have the home advantage. Our aim is to win and reach the final,” he said.
Iraq coach Jesús Casas, meanwhile, stressed on avoiding mistakes against Qatar hoping luck to be on his team’s side in the semi-final.
“We lacked confidence in start of the tournament but players showed great quality. Qatar are experienced side which also played in the World Cup,” said Casas.
“I know they are a good side but I don’t fear them. We have to be careful and we must not commit mistakes in the match. We are just one step away from the final and we will put our best effort to be there,” he added.
Iraq’s Mustafa Nazim said fans will play crucial role for his side in the semi-final.
“It will be a different match we faced in the group stage. Qatar are experienced side but we will have fans on our side and we will try to make them happy,” he said.
The match will kick off at 4:15pm followed by the second semi-final between defending champions Bahrain and two-time winners Oman set to begin at 8:15pm at Al-Minaa Olympic Stadium.
Having lifted their maiden Gulf Cup in 2019 in Qatar, Bahrain are seeking back-to-back titles and were unbeaten while topping the Group B. They defeated UAE (2-1) and Qatar (2-1) before being held 1-1 by Kuwait.
Oman also remained unbeaten in the group stage and were only denied the Group A top spot on goal difference as they finished level on seven points with Iraq.
The final will be played on January 19.
