Basra - IA
Our national team coach, Jesus Casas, held his players responsible for the goalless draw against the Jordanian national team in the final qualifiers for the World Cup.
Casas said in a press conference held after our national team’s match against its Jordanian counterpart, which was followed by the (INA): “It was not a good match in the first half, as the players did not implement what we worked on a week ago, perhaps due to the pressure of the match,” adding that : “In the second half we played a good match.”
He added, “The fans and the media put a lot of effort into a match that does not require pressure,” stressing that “excessive pressure is not in the national team’s interest.”
Today, our Iraqi national team tied with its Jordanian counterpart without goals in the match that took place at the Trunk of Palm Stadium in Basra, in the fifth round of the second group of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
With this result, Jordan maintained its second place in the group on goal difference, ahead of Iraq, which remained third, each with eight points.
South Korea leads the second group standings with 13 points after its victory over Kuwait 3-1 today.
How can mental preparation impact a football team’s performance in high-stakes matches?
Interview with Football Analyst: Analyzing Iraq’s Goalless Draw Against Jordan
Time.news Editor: Joining us today is renowned football analyst, Dr. Samir Al-Amin, to discuss the recent performance of the Iraqi national football team in their World Cup qualifiers against Jordan. Dr. Al-Amin, thank you for being here.
Dr. Samir Al-Amin: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial time for Iraqi football, and I’m glad to share my insights.
Editor: Coach Jesus Casas has expressed disappointment over the team’s goalless draw against Jordan. He emphasized that his players didn’t implement practice strategies effectively, particularly citing the pressure of the match. How significant is mental preparation in high-stakes games like this?
Dr. Al-Amin: Mental preparation is incredibly important in football, especially during World Cup qualifiers where expectations run high. Players can sometimes allow external pressures—like media scrutiny and fan expectations—to affect their performance. Coach Casas pinpointed that the first half was lacking because the players failed to execute the game plan. This highlights a gap between practice and performance, which often stems from mental blocks rather than technical issues.
Editor: Casas noted that in the second half, the team played better. What changes do you think he made during halftime that could have contributed to this improvement?
Dr. Al-Amin: Halftime adjustments are key in football. It’s likely that Casas focused on instilling confidence and easing the players’ minds. Tactical adjustments could have also been made—perhaps altering their formation or making specific assignments to help players find better space. The psychological aspect cannot be overlooked; motivating players to shake off the pressure can lead to a more fluid performance, as we saw in the second half.
Editor: Following this match, Jordan maintained second place in the group. What implications does this draw have for Iraq’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup?
Dr. Al-Amin: This draw keeps Iraq in a precarious position. With both teams at eight points but Jordan ahead on goal difference, every forthcoming match becomes critical. Iraq needs to secure victories in the remaining qualifiers to improve their standing. They must also address any psychological barriers that negatively impact their gameplay. If they can adapt and implement what they practice effectively, they could very well change their qualifying fortunes.
Editor: What practical advice would you offer the Iraqi national team moving forward into the rest of the qualifiers?
Dr. Al-Amin: First and foremost, they need to focus on mental resilience. Engaging sports psychologists could help players manage stress and pressure better. Secondly, refining their tactical execution is crucial. The coaching staff must ensure that training sessions simulate match conditions to help players adapt their skills under pressure. building a stronger chemistry on the field will be essential, as cohesive teamwork often results in improved collective performance.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Al-Amin. It’s clear that both strategy and mental preparation play critical roles in a team’s success. We’ll be watching how the Iraqi national team adapts in their next matches.
Dr. Al-Amin: Thank you for having me. I’m hopeful for Iraqi football and look forward to seeing how they progress in the qualifiers.