Iraq hoping for repeat performance

AFC – DOHA, Having stunned the world by winning the title in 2007, Iraq will be looking for more glory at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011™ this month.

The Iraqi team made headlines worldwide and were welcomed home as heroes after they defeated Saudi Arabia 1-0 in Jakarta four years ago to momentarily take the spotlight off the violence in their war-ravaged country.

But they face a stiff task this time after they were drawn in a highly competitive Group D that also features Iran, World Cup finalists DPR Korea and United Arab Emirates.

Experienced coach Wolfgang Sidka, who has only been in the job since the summer, has kept the bulk of the squad that brought Iraq their greatest ever football triumph, complemented by a sprinkling of young prospects.

However, it remains to be seen if the former Werder Bremen coach has had enough time to get his philosophy across to his charges.

Sidka is making no promises.

“I think we should try to do it (win the tournament) again,” said the German, who has extensive coaching experience in the region.

“But first we have the match with Iran – and that’s our neighbours and our rivals – and then our target is to reach the quarter-finals.

“We have a tough group also with North Korea, who played at the World Cup, and also UAE, who played well at the Gulf Cup even though they were missing a lot of players.

“We’ll try to reach the quarter-finals and then we will see.”

Dogged striker Younis Mahmoud, who scored the 71st-minute winner in the final four years ago, remains central to Iraq’s hopes and is their talisman.

Nashat Akram, a clever and cultured midfielder, is also a pivotal figure who will need to be on top form if Iraq are to make it out of the group and beyond.

“What I have always said from the beginning is that we should improve step by step,” said Sidka.

“We are trying to do better and we know this is a very tough competition. Maybe from 16 teams, 10 are able to get the Asian Cup.”

Sidka’s men start the defence of their Asian Cup crown on January 11 at the Al Rayyan Stadium against traditional heavyweights Iran in what promises to be a tasty showdown between the neighbours and rivals.

Iraq play UAE four days later and North Korea on January 19.