AFC U23 Asian Cup: Mohammed determined to lead Iraq to Olympics

Doha: Iraq captain Muntadher Mohammed returns from suspension to lead his team against Indonesia in the third place playoff at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ determined to make amends for the semi-final loss against Japan and secure a place at the Olympic Games.

Mohammed served a one-match suspension after picking up a second yellow card of the tournament in the 1-0 quarter-final win over Vietnam, but will be available to head coach Radhi Shenaishil for Thursday’s clash against Shin Tae-yong’s side.

“I was very sad not to be able to participate,” Mohammed said of his absence from Monday’s 2-0 loss to Go Oiwa’s squad at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.

“The team did everything they could and they truly wanted to achieve a positive result against Japan. The Japan team outdid us, we made it up in the second half and we created a lot of opportunities but we didn’t seize them."

“As one team, or as one family as I call it, we fall down together and we get up again together. Of course, thanks to our training staff we live as a family, we endure all the pressure as a family and we overcome all the obstacles together.

“I hope we make it and qualify for the Olympics. This is one chance only, it’s a knockout game. We’re going to do everything possible to reduce the errors and the coaching staff will draft a good strategy and we have faith.”

Iraq’s loss to the Japanese was their second defeat of the tournament after starting with a 2-0 reversal against Thailand in the group phase, but three consecutive victories enhanced hopes of securing a place at the Olympics for a third time since 2004.

Japan and Uzbekistan have already claimed two of Asia’s three guaranteed berths in Paris and Shenaishil’s side go up against Indonesia battling for the last remaining spot with Mohammed confident his teammates are ready return to winning ways.

“Our preparations have been going as planned, all our players are very well focused and we’d like to forget the game against Japan,” he said.

“Now we want to focus on Indonesia. Indonesia are a very strong team and the fact they have made it this far means they’re a good team. But all our players are ready and hopefully we will put in a good result.”

Mohammed determined to lead Iraq to Olympics

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