AFC
Doha: Group C pair Iraq and Thailand are looking to make an impression at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ as they prepare to face off in their opening encounter on Tuesday at the Al Janoub Stadium.
Winners of the inaugural edition in 2013, the Iraqis have qualified for every iteration since and head coach Radhi Shenaishil wants his side to “impose” themselves at this tournament.
“Every Iraqi team, in any cup or tournament, we cannot be just another team,” the 57-year-old said.
“We will impose our character and style of play… Iraq has to leave their mark in this competition and we hope to go as far as possible.”
Shenaishil, who earned 80 caps for his country during his playing days as a defender, added that the aim is to first make it through the group stage before thinking about the knockouts, with automatic Olympic Games berths available to the top three finishers.
While the West Asians have appeared at the Olympics on six occasions, Thailand are aiming to make it for a third time - and first since 1968.
To help achieve that target, Ithsara Sritharo’s charges have prepared for two years and also benefited from the expertise of senior men’s national team head coach Matasada Ishii, who is part of their delegation.
“Yes, we have started working with (coach) Ishii and the aim is for the ways of our youth (teams) to be aligned with the first team’s philosophies,” said the 47-year-old, whose team are making their fifth appearance at this stage.
“This is the final stage for us. We have been scouting Iraq, they have strong players and play quality football. We are aiming for the Olympics but first, we will focus game by game.”
With defending champions Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan the other teams in Group B, Shenanishil insisted that Iraq would not take any of their three opponents lightly but believes his side are well prepared.
“This is a very important competition for all the teams,” he said. “It is a difficult group for all the teams and the U23 category is one where there might be good players, but (whom teams may be unaware of because) they have not been exposed."
“For our team, we have been working together for quite some time and while there are some who could not join us due to injuries, this is normal and I have great trust and confidence in the players who have made it here.”
Iraq v Thailand
Venue: Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 18:30 (UTC+3)