Iraq players assemble ahead of their training session.
Doha, Qatar: Jordan will look to maintain their flawless momentum when they face regional rivals Iraq in a highly anticipated FIFA Arab Cup quarter-final at Education City Stadium today.
The Nashama have been one of the standout teams of the tournament, sweeping through a challenging Group C with victories over the UAE, Kuwait and Egypt to finish as group winners.
Head coach Jamal Sellami said meetings between the two nations always carry “a special character,” especially on Qatari soil and in a tournament that has drawn strong crowds and high praise for its organisation.
“This is a very important match for us,” Sellami said in the pre-match press conference.
“Now we enter a new knockout competition. We have a great ambition to win, and this requires greater focus, effectiveness, and a character above the ordinary because the opponent is strong. We must be at a high level and serious in order to qualify for the next matches, The Iraqi team has players who pose a danger at any moment when we lose focus.”
Jordan players during a training session.
Sellami said Jordan’s perfect group-stage run has added belief and maturity within the squad.
“We achieved positive results in the first round, we gained character and improved performance, and all our players gained competitive experience,” he said.
“I told the players the knockout stage has other considerations. If we want to win, we must maintain the same mentality and continue the level we showed.”
Goalkeeper Nour Bani Attiah echoed his coach’s confidence.
“We played three very important matches. We completed one leg, and now we have a bigger and more important one ahead of us,” he said.
“The Iraqi team is a great team, and Jordan are ready to deliver a great match and achieve the goal.”
Iraq, who finished runners-up in Group D behind defending champions Algeria after wins over Bahrain and Sudan, are bracing for what head coach Graham Arnold called a “difficult and demanding” knockout test.
“Jordan impressed everyone with three wins, and they are strong contenders for the title,” Arnold said.
“We need full physical and mental readiness to reach the semi-finals.”
He confirmed striker Mohanad Ali may be fit to return, while goalkeeper Jalal Hassan is ruled out and midfielder Hussein Ali is suspended following his red card against Algeria.
“We will choose the best 11 based on fitness and focus,” Arnold said. “Despite the absences, I have full confidence in my players.”
Defender Saad Natiq added: “We know the challenge is tough for both sides, but we trust our group. We are ready and determined to advance.”
