Asia Cup Group D Preview: Iraq Vs North Korea
Reigning Asian champions, Iraq head into the final game of Group D, against North Korea, needing only a point in order to qualify for the next phase of the competition, and to keep alive their dream of becoming Asian champions for the second consecutive
time.
Their archrivals, Iran, have already booked a place in the knockout stages so the final match day of group D is going to be a clear cut race for 2nd place, between Iraq and North Korea. The stakes are even higher for the North Koreans as they
need to get all three points to progress from the very tough group.
Iraq's coach, Wolfgang Sidka has also issued a warning to his players to be ready for a grilling of a lifetime, from the start of the game till the final whistle- the North Koreans will definitely be coming out with all guns blazing, as they need three points
to seal a berth for the next phase.
Against UAE, a 91st-minute own goal by UAE’s Walid Abbas gave Iraq their first three points of the competition. They will certainly have to perform much better if they intend to get away with a win against the North Koreans in the up-coming game.
If http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Iraq-c2924 is able to get the required result, it will be the 5th consecutive time that the side has reached the next phase of Asia’s most prestigious football event.
North Korea, on the other hand, will definitely be looking to make life tough for the Iraqis, as they are desperate to get a win after a mediocre start to the event.
However, Sidka believes that only 3 points against the North Koreans will be considered a good result.
"North Korea are under more pressure than we are," he said.
Wolfgang also asserted that his players are in good spirit and he was very satisfied with the overall atmosphere in the Iraqi camp.
The North Koreans will be heavily depending on the form of their star striker, Jong Tae Se. The Korean, who also plays for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/VfL-Bochum-c40880 in Bundesliga 2, has been in superb form, but is yet to shine in the Asia Cup.
Jo Tong Pop will be looking to ensure that all the midfielders in his side will provide the striker with all the service he needs in order to help Korea find the net as often as possible.
The North Koreans haven’t really hit top gear in the tournament, and, after losing against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Iran-c2923 and salvaging a draw against a relatively inexperienced UAE side, they would be looking to redeem themselves in their own eyes as well as the eyes of the rest
of the footballing world. Jong Tae-Se emphasized the importance of an early goal to the chances of winning in the game. The Bochum striker acknowledges that his team has a massive task at their hands if they are to beat the Iraqi side.
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