When dissecting the state of the Iraq national team, it’s often difficult to distinguish fact from fiction, or even to separate off the field matters with those on it. The last four years of qualification have only emphasised the mess the IFA and the national team set-up has been in for generations, but crucially despite this the performances on the pitch usually come out fighting.
The current incumbent of the hottest of managerial hot seats going, Slovenian Srecko Katanec, after promising sound bites to the media upon arrival, could be heading down a similarly destructive route. While preparations have been far from ideal, the raw product at his disposal is enviable to say the least. But of course, talent is very much only a starting block in Iraqi football, that rarely correlates with its achievements.
Through qualification, talent and performance apart, their campaign relied a whole lot on luck. Good luck, in the way they scraped through a rather middling Round 2 group phase, where they entered the cycle as the seeded nation, only to see their fortune reverse in Round 3, leaving them in arguably an undeserved lowly position.
Running through six managers since the last Asian Cup can’t have helped matters either, very few of whom exited with any sense of achievement. Yahya Alwan, while forcing the results on the board, couldn’t get the very best out of a transitioning squad, while Radhi Shenaishil, despite overseeing an upturn in performances, couldn’t achieve the type of results he forged in his last spell, leading Iraq to the semi finals of the Asian Cup in 2015.
The transition has been arduous, but the semblance of youth that runs through the current squad is testament to the persistence of all coaches through this spell. Out has gone the highly influential captain and striker Younes Mahmoud, in came the heir in waiting Mohanad Abdulraheem who starred in front of goal throughout qualification. Out went the volatile talent of Yaser Kasim, in came the youthful exuberance of Bashar Resan.
The squad on paper is demonstrably fresher for it; nearly a dozen of the current squad are under 23, a cohort of young players who have developed together through Iraqi youth team successes, including fourth place at the 2013 U20 World Cup, two medal winning campaigns at their last two Asian Games, an unbeaten Olympic campaign in 2016 and an Asian U16 title. A nucleus of players, developed together to succeed at knockout tournaments, indicates the perfect breeding ground to dominate regional football over the next 10 years, surely? Or so it was believed.
An internal investigation earlier this year dug up a number of falsified documents, casting doubt on several of Iraq’s most talented young players’ ages, thus tarnishing their recent youth successes, to the extent that Iraqi youth football has been thrown into the abyss. One pertinent example, that of Mohammed Dawood, the top scorer at the U16 Championships two years ago, is set to be selected at the upcoming Asian Cup, reportedly playing under a date of birth three years younger than his real age.
While youth football has been hit hard, with the players involved potentially skewing the age profile of the squad heading to the Emirates, the fact remains that they do possess the same talent potential, never mind their age. Centre midfield duo, Basher Resan and Amjad Attwan (both “officially” 21) are two players to watch out for in January. The former has arguably been the form player in his position over the Asian club season, featuring in Iranian champions Persepolis’ run to the Champions League final.
While there’s a lot of buzz around the squad’s personnel, if not just speculation over their ages, it’s undoubtedly a concern that this side lacks experience. Along with their key retirements, Katanec’s injury list continues to grow on the eve of the tournament; snaring another two key starters in Saad Abdul Amir and Justin Meram in the last month, leaving the side’s spine in an uncomfortable position.
Another issue that has regularly thrown a spanner in the works on in the build up to a tournament is that of squad harmony. The soap opera that pitted home based players against European based Iraqis on the run up to Australia, in the end saw the friction unify on the pitch, while this time the concern may instead be between the coach and his players. Outspoken and tactically erratic, Katanec has a reputation for rubbing up his playing staff in the wrong way, something that is noticeably simmering after recent poor performances
A lack of a clear vision may consequently be his side’s undoing. Katanec has regularly tinkered between a 352 and a more typical 4231, with similarly poor friendly results. Being pitted against Iran and Vietnam in the group phase, will bring back positive recent memories, yet both sides are more than a match for a tactically transitioning Iraq at present. Structure and unity is paramount for any hopes of early progression.
Painting a picture of a unified Iraqi national team remains a difficult ask. However smooth the lead-up is, someone, be it from the media, the IFA or within the camp itself, will do their best to create tension. We’ve all seen before how little this can affect their performances however, this is a side that went on to win the 2007 Asian Cup whilst their home nation was ravaged by war. As always with Iraqi football, expect controversy but also expect a noble performance.
Key Men
Head Coach - Srecko Katanec (SLV)
Former UAE and Slovenia boss, who talks a good game but has struggled to date to get the very best out of this Iraqi squad. Has a reputation for fractured relationships with the team’s star players, which saw his time with Slovenia and Macedonia cut short. Has shown tactical flexibility in his early days in charge, switching between a back three and four in recent friendlies.
Star Player - Hussein Ali
Diminutive playmaker, who is crucial in dictating play if we are ever able to see a successfully functioning Iraqi side. Can play on either side of the front attacker but is likely to play the number 10 role under Katanec. Has become ever more valuable, with the withdrawal through injury of Justin Meram on the eve of the tournament.
Point To Prove - Mohanad Abdulrahman
Striker who showed so much promise in his early career, excelling at U20 and U23 level for his country, has failed to kick on after unsuccessful spells in the UAE. Finished qualification strongly, scoring five goals in the latter World Cup rounds, yet has recently fell out of favour for the starting striker spot since returning to Iraq.
Young Prospect - Mohanad Ali
Physically strong leading striker, who offers pace, touch and a goalscoring eye to the Iraqi strike force. A revelation domestically and in youth competitions, his age has come under heavy scrutiny of late, having reportedly been playing at three years younger than his actual date of birth. Even at his older age of 21, increasingly looks a continental star in the making.
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