Iraq coach Shenaishil wants to reach Japan's level

00:04    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."