Yasin hails Iraq's 'great job' after draw with Japan
Tehran: Ahmed Yasin hailed a “great job” as Iraq came from behind to claim a 1-1 draw with Japan in Group B of the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 qualifiers on Tuesday.
After defeating Jordan and drawing with Korea Republic in temporary coach Basim Qasim’s first games in charge at the beginning of the month, Iraq went into the fixture at PAS Stadium looking to maintain an unbeaten run under Qasim.
And after Yuya Osako had given the East Asians the lead inside 10 minutes, Iraq fought back well in the blistering sunshine and made things all square with 19 minutes remaining through Mahdi Kamil.
“The manager told us [at half-time] to believe in ourselves and go and show them that we are a good team and good players and not to be afraid,” said Yasin.
“I think that’s what we did but then, of course there was the weather and it was too hot to do what we wanted to do.
"But it was hard for both teams and I think we did a great job from the first minute to the last minute and we showed strength to score the equaliser to make it 1-1.
Three defeats from three at the beginning of the campaign meant Iraq were always going to be fighting an uphill battle on the Road to Russia.
Despite form improving, March’s 1-0 defeat to Saudi Arabia brought an end to the reign of Radhi Swadi after Iraq’s elimination was all but confirmed.
In came Qasim on a short-term basis and it will be the Air Force Club coach’s job to ensure the West Asians finish their group campaign in a strong fashion after an up and down 10 months or so.
“I think that we’re going in the right direction,” added Yasin, whose side sit fifth in the six-team table, six points behind the United Arab Emirates with a game to play.
“This is the first official competition game [since Qasim came in], but I think we have improved and are doing a good job.
“Of course [catching the UAE] is what we’re aiming for and will try to do. We have Thailand next and then the Emirates so obviously we’re going to do everything to take six points.
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com
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