Baghdad-INA
Today, Sunday, the women’s futsal team heads to the Moroccan capital, Rabat, to enter a training camp in preparation for the Asian qualifiers, which will last for nine days, including a trial match against the Moroccan women’s national team.
A statement by the Iraqi Football Federation, received by the (INA), stated that “the delegation of the women’s futsal team includes (19) players who participated in the training camp held in the city of Sulaymaniyah, and they were chosen by the team’s coach, Vieira Bettencourt, a Portuguese national. Following the testing phase during the past period.”
It is noteworthy that the women’s futsal team will play in the Asian Cup qualifiers against the teams of Thailand, Lebanon, Bahrain and Palestine in the first group, which will be held during the period from 11 to 19 January of next year in Thailand.
How can training camps abroad impact the performance of developing women’s sports teams like the Iraqi women’s futsal team?
Interview: Insights on the Iraqi Women’s Futsal Team’s Upcoming Journey
Time.news Editor: Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with [Expert’s Name], a sports analyst specializing in women’s sports development. Welcome, [Expert’s Name]. Let’s dive right into the exciting news about the Iraqi women’s futsal team heading to Morocco for a training camp. What do you make of this initiative?
[Expert’s Name]: Thank you for having me. It’s fantastic to see the Iraqi women’s futsal team taking these proactive steps to prepare for the Asian qualifiers. A training camp in Morocco, along with a match against the Moroccan women’s national team, can provide invaluable experience and help build team cohesion. This type of preparation is crucial, especially as they gear up for the competitive environment in Thailand.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely! The team has been training in Sulaymaniyah, and 19 players have been selected by the coach, Vieira Bettencourt. How important is the selection process in building a successful team?
[Expert’s Name]: The selection process is fundamental. It not only involves skill assessment but also the ability of players to work together effectively. With Vieira Bettencourt’s guidance, the team will undoubtedly benefit from a coach’s perspective, especially one experienced in international settings. Players who train together and understand each other’s strengths can create synergy on the court, which is essential during the Asian Cup qualifiers.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of the qualifiers, the Iraqi women’s futsal team will compete against formidable opponents like Thailand, Lebanon, Bahrain, and Palestine. How do you see their chances in this group?
[Expert’s Name]: Competing against such diverse teams can be challenging. Thailand, for instance, has a strong futsal culture and experience in international competitions. However, the Iraqi team has shown potential and resilience. Their performance in Morocco will also be a significant indicator of readiness. If they can capitalize on their training and approach each match with strategy and confidence, they can certainly create opportunities to advance.
Time.news Editor: Building on that, what advice would you give both the players and coaching staff as they prepare for this pivotal moment in their careers?
[Expert’s Name]: For the players, mental preparation is just as crucial as physical training. They need to remain focused, maintain confidence, and trust in their training. For the coaching staff, emphasizing adaptability during training and fostering a strong team spirit can make a big difference. Additionally, learning from each match, including the trial against Morocco, is key to refining strategies before the qualifiers in January.
Time.news Editor: Before we wrap up, is there any insight you’d like to share about the future of women’s futsal in Iraq?
[Expert’s Name]: Certainly! The investment in women’s sports, particularly futsal, is a positive step toward promoting gender equality in athletics. With increased visibility and support, we could see a significant rise in participation and talent development in the years to come. Success in upcoming competitions can inspire a new generation of female athletes in Iraq and beyond, leading to a robust future for women’s futsal.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, [Expert’s Name], for sharing your valuable insights today. We wish the Iraqi women’s futsal team the best of luck in their training camp and upcoming qualifiers.
[Expert’s Name]: Thank you for having me. Let’s continue supporting women’s sports and celebrating their achievements!