Iraq
The Asian Cup champions are seeking a good showing in the Confederation Cup next year after their failure in the World Cup qualifications for South Africa 2010. The team’s match against the stars of
Vieira was quoted as saying to a local newspaper in
Vieira told Al-Sabah newspaper: “At the same time we look forward to restoring some balance and confidence, especially following the success of the Iraqi Under 23 team at a friendly tournament organized by
Vieira elaborated: “Our real and first test would be the European match in
Vieira said that the date set for the match is inconvenient now: “It is really pain in the neck trying to have most of the professionals released from their clubs for the match. Clubs are reluctant to give permission to players to join the team and play the match, so we have to make do with the available players from the local clubs. Most of them are young and lack the experience of big international matches”.
Vieira is having another problem – getting all of the players together as a training unit. “
They have to play in the Iraqi first division football league’s matches during the week and be on the road for the national team gatherings in
What makes Vieira’s problem even worse is that some local clubs have refused permission for their players to join the Iraqi team.
Walid Dahd, coach of the Air Force FC was the first to express disapproval for his players to join the national team. “We are happy here at the Air Force club that seven of our players have been invited to join the national squad which is great testament to our training staff, however we cannot jeopardise the team’s opportunity in the Arab Champions League. So far, we have reached a very good stage in the tournament. Our team camp in the UAE on December 18 is the most important issue for us at the time being. We will play our next match against Almnestiri Tunisian Union four days after the camp”.
Dahd continued: “We need those seven players’ services for sure; we too are representing Iraqi football, and they have to understand our situation here”.
Vieira who led the Iraqi team to its first Continental title in 2007 also managed to maintain an outstanding performance of his team in the Asian Cup of Nations in 2007. Observers thought it would be a matter of time before
However, much to the football-mad Iraqi population's disappointment, their national side missed the chance to qualify to South Africa 2010. Therefore it is very obvious that Vieira is counting on the European charitable match and the Confederations Cup for another international good appearance.
Speculation over the participation of a number of Iraqi team key players is still haunting the Brazilian coach. Most of those are contracted to clubs in in
Vieira has hinted that it is necessary for long-range planning, to have a pool of young players on standby: “The important thing for
Vieira concluded: “Nevertheless, we need to reassure players, especially those who played in the Asian Cup, that they are the best in
Source: AIPS website.
By: Abed-Alhakim Amer
Head of International Relations,
Somali football press department
Contact:somalifootballmedia@gmail.com