Baghdad – IA
Our national team players confirmed their full readiness for the friendly confrontation against South Korea, today, Saturday, at New York University Stadium in the Emirati capital, Abu Dhabi, in preparation for participation in the Asian Cup finals, which begin next Friday in Qatar.
In a statement received by the (INA), the media channel of the Football Association quoted the star of the national team and the Saudi Abha Club, Saad Natiq, as saying: “We have completed our preparations to face South Korea and we hope that the match will be of great technical benefit before entering the Asian Cup competitions.”
He added, “The Abu Dhabi camp was very successful after providing all the requirements, and we reached a good level before the start of the continental forum, with the participation of all local and professional players.”
A spokesman added, “Korea’s only friendly match before the Asian Championship, so we as players realize the importance of making the most of it, especially since we will be playing against a team that is nominated to win the title and includes prominent players playing in the best European leagues.”
In turn, national team striker Ayman Hussein said: “We are trying to gain great benefit from the confrontation, and achieve a positive result of a moral nature before heading to Doha.”
He added: “The Abu Dhabi camp had many advantages through intensifying the morning and evening training units, to increase the physical factor, and to announce our readiness for this important event.”
For his part, Qatar Club professional Bashar Rassan said, “The Asian Cup is the most important tournament after the World Cup, and we will do everything to please our fans. We are one unit (local and professional). We all represent the Iraqi national team and our goal is to compete strongly for the continental title.”