Iraq will begin their Asian Cup campaign with a match against fellow Group C rivals Vietnam. The Lions of Mesopotamia are under pressure to have a strong start to the competition and build momentum heading into the Yemen game.

Both teams will be looking to come out with three points from the Zayed Sports Stadium tomorrow. Vietnam, despite being the weaker of the two sides on paper, will fancy their chances as they have avoided defeat in their last ten matches, winning seven of them.

Katenec is rumoured to start with a 3-4-3 with Hussein Ali, Ahmed Yasin, and Mohanad Ali in attack. Meanwhile, South Korean manager Park Hang-seo is expected to start with an orthodox 4-4-2.The Golden Stars will rely on the attacking partnership of Van Đuc and Duc Chinh to trouble Jalal Hassan.

The Asian Cup has already produced many upsets. Australia, Thailand, UAE, and Syria have all dropped points to inferior oppositions, and Iraq needs to keep their focus ahead of their opening match. Underestimating Vietnam may cause an unwanted upset and Iraq’s title plans may be derailed before they even begin.

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Yalla Iraq!