Tribune News Network
Kuwait City
Fans would be in for a real treat on Wednesday night when Group B leaders Bahrain take on reigning champions Iraq at the 26th Arabian Cup, according to Bahrain’s charismatic coach Dragan Talajic.
Bahrain share the top spot with Iraq after both won their opening ties on Saturday, but their dramatic 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia caught the eye of fans with the coach promising more thrills-and-spills at the Jaber Al Ahmed International Stadium.
“We have monitored the Iraq team,” said Talajic at the pre-match press conference held at the Crowne Plaza. “I have full respect to them and they very well organised. A very good team who I have watched and analysed many times. I wish them well for the World Cup, but not for here!
“We are preparing in the best way. It will be very difficult but, honestly, but I can trust my boys. God willing, we will recover quickly because the game against Saudi Arabia was very tough mentally and physically. But we will play nice football, as will Iraq, so it will be good for the fans to watch.”
Talajic said that the last 20 minutes against Saudi Arabia showed the mental toughness of his team and said it was an aspect they had worked hard on in preparation for Iraq.
“We are ready for everything,” he said. “I believe in my boys. We are mentally very strong. We know Iraq is a very good team and I respect the team, the people, the country. They will have big support, but we are Bahraini with a big heart. You will see it tomorrow.”
Casas calls for fans’
support for Iraq
Meanwhile, Iraq coach Jesus Casas has called for unity ahead of his side’s crucial match against Bahrain.
Iraq share top spot with Bahrain after both sides won their opening games on Saturday night, but Iraq’s narrow 1-0 win over Yemen drew criticism from Iraq’s fans and media, who singled out full back Mustafa Sadoon in particular.
“It is easy to be a man sitting in the TV and criticising,” said Casas at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday. “Mustafa makes one mistake and he gets so much criticism through social media which is not fair. It will just make the player nervous going into the pitch next. All players make a mistake, even at Real Madrid and Argentina. It’s a shame in my opinion.
“Mustafa will be playing tomorrow night along with 10 other players.”
Casas called for the nation to get behind the national team as they bid to retain the cup that they won at home two years ago, and said he expects criticism no matter what his tactics whenever his team loses or underperforms.
“When we won seven matches consecutively by changing the line-ups, no-one complained,” he said. “If we lose tomorrow with different players they will complain. If we use the same line-up and lose they will again criticise, so it is the same.
“I am proud to coach Iraq. I feel like the Iraqi people. I will be the happiest man in the world if we win this tournament and if we go the World Cup. We are so far from our families at this time of year (Christmas), because we are fighting for Iraq.”
Casas said their focus has been on player recovery and video analysis of Bahrain in the build-up to tomorrow’s encounter, with a win for either team guaranteeing a place in the semi-finals with one match to play.
“We have a very similar style and players to Bahrain. I hope to win. The match will be high quality and good for the spectator to see.”
The match kicks off at 8.30pm at the Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium.
