Iraq coach Shenaishil wants to reach Japan's level

00:31    No comments

DPA ©

Iraq's head coach Radhi Shenaishil  Iraq coach Radhi Shenaishil said his side were aspiring to become as good as reigning champions Japan, as the teams prepare to meet in the Asian Cup on Friday. "Our goal is to get to the same level," Shenaishil told a news conference Thursday. "The good thing is that we have a good selection of players that play in different ways and styles. "I can, therefore, look at a position and decide, on the day, which player will suit the starting eleven." Iraq won their first game in Group D, against Jordan, but are likely to face a tougher challenge against Japan in Brisbane. "We take every match step-by-step," Shenaishil said. "The first match against Jordan was a good result and gives us an advantage in this competition. "Japan have their advantages and disadvantages, they're a very good team. Japan have good players that play in Europe and we're looking forward to this game." Iraq, who were champions in 2007, will all but guarantee progress to the quarter-finals with victory. "We have outlined certain points with certain players for the game and if the players put these points into practice, we should come up with a positive result," said Shenaishil. "We have no injury concerns and we have a lot of competition between the players to get into the starting 11."