Iraq

Asian Cup 2011 Teams: Iraq

Road to Qatar

The reigning Asian Cup Champions arrive in Qatar in excellent form. They have won six of their last twelve games, drawing four and losing just two (as of 22 December, 2010).

Highlights during that period would be victories over the likes of India, Bahrain, Qatar and Syria - all of whom will compete at this winter's Asian Cup.

Iraq qualified automatically for the tournament as Cup holders, along with Qatar (hosts), Saudi Arabia (2007 runners-up) and South Korea (2007 Third Place).

Fixtures

Group D

Iraq v Iran; 11 January 2011, Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan

Iraq v United Arab Emirates; 15 January 2011, Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan

Iraq v North Korea; 19 January 2011, Qatar SC Stadium, Doha

Analysis

The goals of Younis Mahmoud were a huge factor in Iraq's 2007 Asian Cup victory and success in Qatar will depend once again on his form.

Iraq's strength lies with their forward partnership of Mahmoud and Alaa Abdul-Zahra and the supply of the gifted midfielder Nashat Akram.

Wolfgang Sidka's side were a highly watchable outfit at the recent Gulf Cup, which saw them progress to a Semi Final with eventual tournament winners Kuwait. If nothing else, they should be great entertainers in Qatar.

Key player: Younis Mahmoud

Mamhoud captained Iraq to their shock Asian Cup success in 2007 and the forward will be looking for a repeat experience in Qatar.

The Al-Gharafa player has been a consistent performer for his country, scoring three goals for the Iraq team which finished fourth in the 2004 Olympic Games. He scored the only goal in the 2007 Asian Cup Final win against Saudi Arabia and also bagged seven goals in their qualification for that tournament.

Mamhoud is excellent in air and has great positional sense. He could prove to be a thorn in the side of many teams' defences at this year's tournament.

One to watch: Alaa Abdul-Zahra

Mahmoud's striking partner at the Asian Cup is likely to be Persija Jakarta's promising youngster Alaa Abdul-Zahra.

Abdul-Zahra's diminutive frame (5ft 8in) belies his strength and knack for scoring important goals. The 21-year-old forward, who is affectionately known as the 'Kaka of Iraq', has made over 20 appearances already for Iraq. En-route to the 2008 Olympic Games, Abdul-Zahra scored more times in final qualifying than any other player in Asia - netting six times.

Mahmoud and Abdul-Zahra could be the front line to watch at the Asian Cup in 2011.

Coach: Wolfgang Sidka

Sharida has experienced success coaching in Arab club football, most notably winning the AFC Cup title for Bahraini outfit Al Muharraq in 2008.

The former Bahraini international player coached Pakistan from 2006 to 2008, during which time the nation failed in attempts to qualify for the Asian Cup and Beijing Olympic Games.

Record

1956-1968; Did not enter, 1972; Round 1, 1976; Fourth Place, 1980-1992; Did not enter, 1996;Quarter Finals, 2000; Quarter Finals, 2004; Quarter Finals, 2007; Champions

Soccerphile says

As in 2007, Iraq will no doubt revel in the fact they are seen by most as tournament dark horses rather than favourites.

In 2007, the team was something of an unknown quality. As reigning Asian Cup holders however, their strengths and weaknesses will be well known to their opponents at the competition.

Iraq should make it out of a tough group along with North Korea. From there, a run to the Semi Finals is possible for Sidka's men.

The Squad

Goalkeepers: Ali Muttashar (Talaba), Mohammed Kassid Kadhim (Arbil), Haider Raad Majeed (Al-Karkh)
Defenders: Mohammed Ali Kareem (Al-Zawra’a), Bassim Abbas (Konyaspor), Salam Shakir (Al-Khor), Ali Rehema (Al-Wakrah), Samal Saeed (Al-Shorta), Ahmed Ibrahim Khalaf (Arbil), Saad Attiya (Al-Shorta)
Midfielders: Qusay Munir (Qatar SC), Nashat Akram (Al-Wakrah), Saad Abdul-Amir (Al-Karkh), Samer Saeed (Alahly Tripoli), Hawar Mulla Mohammed (Shahin Bushehr), Kerrar Jassim (Tractor Sazi), Mahdi Kareem (Arbil), Ahmed Ayad (Persija Jakarta), Muthanna Khalid Salih (Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya)
Forwards: Emad Mohammed (Shahin Bushehr), Mustafa Karim (Al-Sailiya), Younus Mahmood (Al-Gharafa), Alaa Abdul-Zahra (Persija Jakarta)

The winner of the Asian Cup takes part in the Confederations Cup.

Our partner site QatarVisitor.com based in Doha carries all the necessary details on attending the event including travel, visa and hotel information.

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