2023-11-20T08:30:45+00:00
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The deputy head of the Iraqi national team delegation, Ahmed Al-Moussawi, confirmed on Monday the players’ readiness for tomorrow’s confrontation against the Vietnam national team in the double qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup and 2027 Asian Cup finals.
Al-Mousawi told Agency, “The Vietnamese team is our strongest competitor for the top spot in Group Six, especially after achieving victory over the Philippines and being equal with us on points.”
He added, “In our match tomorrow against Vietnam, our players and coaching staff will strive to break the tie on points and reach the lead after the end of the second round of our qualifying group for the World Cup. Coach Casas knows well the capabilities and abilities of the opponent and knows what he wants to do and what he plans.”
Al-Moussawi continued, “Our players must give everything they have against Vietnam tomorrow, just as they performed wonderfully against Indonesia in Basra in the first round, in order to win match points and lead the group, and we are all confident that our players will achieve a positive result.”
The Iraqi national team is in the double qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup and 2027 Asian Cup finals in Group Six, accompanied by Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
The Iraqi national team will wear the full white kit, while the goalkeepers’ kit will be in cyan, and the Vietnam national team will wear the full red kit, and its goalkeepers will be yellow.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Ahmed Al-Moussawi, Deputy Head of the Iraqi National Team Delegation
Editor: Welcome, Mr. Al-Moussawi. Thank you for joining us today. The Iraqi national team has been making headlines recently. Can you share with us some insights into the team’s preparations for their upcoming matches?
Al-Moussawi: Thank you for having me. The team is currently in a crucial phase of preparation. We are focusing on building team cohesion and fine-tuning our strategies to ensure we perform at our best. The players have shown remarkable commitment, and their morale is high as we look ahead.
Editor: That sounds promising! There’s been a lot of interest in the role of support from the fans. How has the fan response been, especially coming back from the challenges the team has faced in previous years?
Al-Moussawi: The support from our fans has been overwhelming. It’s heartwarming to see them rally behind us, especially after the tough times we’ve experienced. Their encouragement plays a vital role in motivating the players and creating an energetic atmosphere during our matches.
Editor: Community and fan engagement seem crucial for the Iraqi national team. Can you tell us about any initiatives the team is taking to connect with fans?
Al-Moussawi: Absolutely. We are implementing various initiatives, including meet-and-greet events and social media engagements where fans can communicate directly with the players. We also plan to host charity matches to give back to the community. It’s essential for the team to not only perform on the field but also to connect with our supporters off the field.
Editor: That’s a fantastic approach! Moving on to the competitive landscape, how does the Iraqi team plan to navigate the challenges posed by other strong teams in the region?
Al-Moussawi: We respect all our competitors, but we believe in our capabilities and the strategies we have in place. Our coaching staff has been analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of potential opponents. We prioritize adaptability and resilience, which will serve us well in high-pressure situations.
Editor: It’s encouraging to hear that kind of confidence. Looking further ahead, what are your aspirations for the Iraqi national team on both regional and international stages?
Al-Moussawi: Our immediate goal is to perform well in upcoming tournaments and, ultimately, aim for qualification in future World Cups. We also aspire to continue developing young talent within the country, creating a sustainable path for success. Our vision is to see Iraq become a competitive force in international football consistently.
Editor: It sounds like you have a solid roadmap ahead. Before we wrap up, what message would you like to send to the Iraqi fans as the team gears up for these pivotal matches?
Al-Moussawi: I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support. We promise to give our all on the pitch, and together, we can achieve remarkable things. Your passion fuels our journey, and we are excited to make you proud!
Editor: Thank you, Mr. Al-Moussawi, for your insights and updates. We wish the Iraqi national team all the best in their upcoming challenges!
Al-Moussawi: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.