Kolkata: Asian champions Iraq arrived here Monday for the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup, commencing October 6. They had missed the previous edition of the event.
A 21-member Iraq national team coached by Qahtan Jathir and six support staff landed here at 2.15am by a Qatar Airways flight before being escorted to the team hotel under tight security cover, a local organiser stated. They will face Mexico in their Group F opener at the Salt Lake Stadium here, October 8.
It will be a test of character for the war-ravaged country, who are placed in a group of death featuring heavyweights Mexico, Chile and England. They would be keen to better their last place finish in 2013 when they lost all three of their matches, against Sweden, Mexico and Nigeria, the teams that eventually claimed first, second and third place in the tournament.
Iraq emerged victorious from the 2016 AFC U-16 Championships, defeating Iran in the final to become Asian champions for the first time and qualify for the tournament under the guidance of Qahtan.
All eyes will be on 16-year-old Mohammed Dawood who led the turnaround for their historic feat in 2016 after they had failed to find the net in the first two matches.
He made a welcome breakthrough against Oman in Iraq’s final group-stage match, and then struck a brace against Uzbekistan in the quarterfinals and a hat-trick versus Japan in the last four game to emerge top goalscorer and player of the tournament in the 2016 AFC U-16 Championships.
“We know we are in a tough group,” said coach Qahtan in a release. “However, we are here to prove our mettle and prove to the world that we rightfully belong here,” he added.
press trust of India
