Iraqi midfielder cautious ahead of rematch against Vietnam at Asian Cup 2023

Midfielder Bashar Resan of the Iraqi national team shared his thoughts ahead of the 2023 Asian Cup. In it, he expressed his caution when meeting Vietnam and Indonesia - Iraq's two opponents in the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup - in the tournament in Qatar.

" This is a balanced group, not easy but it is not impossible to advance. We have faced and defeated both Vietnam and Indonesia. However, the matches at the Asian Cup are very different from the World Cup qualifiers and are not easy at all because the upcoming tournament does not give us the opportunity to correct our mistakes. Just one mistake can cause the Iraqi team to lose the match, be eliminated and disappoint the fans, " Bashar Resan shared.

Coach Jesus Casas talks with Bashar Resan. (Photo: Iraq Football Federation)

The Iraqi team is considered a candidate for one of the two direct spots to the next round, along with the Japanese team. Bashar Resan said the team must prepare carefully for this match. However, before that, the midfielder born in 1996 wants the whole team to achieve a favorable result in the opening match.

" The difficult task that awaits us is the encounter with Japan - the number 1 candidate for the championship. Hopefully we will be fully prepared in terms of tactics, physical strength and spirit. Because lack of concentration can cause us to lose points. I believe that a victory over Indonesia in the opening match will open the door to the next round ," Bashar Resan expressed.

Bashar Resan is currently playing in the Qatar national championship. His forte is as an attacking midfielder. In addition, he can play well on both wings.

Bashar Resan made his debut for the Iraqi national team at the age of 17. To date, he has played 49 matches, scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assists. Last November, he appeared in both matches against Indonesia and Vietnam in the second qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup.

The midfielder believes that collective strength is Iraq's advantage in the Asian Cup. However, he admits that his team cannot yet compete with Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Iran - teams that regularly participate in the World Cup.

The Iraqi team will face Indonesia (January 14), Japan (January 19) and Vietnam (January 24) respectively.

Van Hai

Source: https://vtc.vn/tien-ve-iraq-canh-giac-truoc-tran-tai-dau-tuyen-viet-nam-tai-asian-cup-2023-ar846262.html