As expected, the Iraqi team made many changes compared to the last match against Indonesia. However, with quality players and playing at home, the Iraqi team is highly appreciated. Coach Jesus Casas' students also took the initiative after the opening whistle with many dangerous opportunities. After the first half, the representative of West Asia also took the lead thanks to a great goal by defender Hussein Ali in the 12th minute.
In the second half, the Iraqi team still played better. Coach Jesus Casas' adjustments also worked with 2 goals from Ali Jasim and striker Aymen Hussein. In between these two goals, the Vietnamese team also had fun with a beautiful finishing situation by Tuan Hai.
The Iraqi team is still too strong.
Tuan Hai (number 10) scored a beautiful goal for the Vietnam team.
The Iraqi team finished the group stage with 6 wins, topping Group F. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese team ranked 3rd with 6 points. Despite losing 1-3, the Vietnamese team still showed positivity in their playing style. Counter-attacks were executed at high speed and accurately, especially in the first half. The connection between players on the field was also effective when players like Hoang Duc and Hung Dung played their roles well.
Coach Jesus Casas commented: "The match against us was quite difficult, especially in the first half. However, the goals came, contributing to the Iraqi team's victory today. The new players of the Iraqi team were given opportunities, I am very happy about that.
The Vietnamese team has made a lot of progress, much different from the first leg and it will not be easy for us to win. Although playing at home, Iraq will have to face high temperatures and a very well-organized defense of the opponent. Therefore, I hope the fans will encourage the Iraqi players rather than criticizing them."
The Spanish coach also added about the plan in the final qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup: "For me, no matter who the Iraqi team faces, they want to play offensively. Even if we face Japan, that will not change. But in the final qualifying round, the Iraqi team must calculate carefully. Depending on the situation, we can play defensive counter-attack. It is very likely that this style of play will be applied in the next stage."
Coach Jesus Casas highly appreciates the playing style of the Vietnamese team.
Meanwhile, Ali Jassim - the player who scored the second goal for the Iraqi team in the match against the Vietnamese team expressed his joy: "Despite some difficulties, the Iraqi team knew how to solve them. The whole team is very happy and pleased to have finished the group stage with a perfect record. Ambition pushes us to go further and the ultimate goal is for the Iraqi team to be present at the 2026 World Cup."
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hlv-casas-doi-tuyen-viet-nam-khac-xa-luot-di-iraq-da-khong-de-gianh-chien-thang-185240612042819117.htm
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